New Obsessions

A sleep of 10 years, Laurie Spiegel’s “Ambient 1: Music for Airports” re-emerges as a sonic masterpiece of ambient music that sets the tone for decades of experimental soundscapes. The album’s atmospheric texture and calming soundscape have captivated listeners for generations. Possession, a cult classic released in 1985, is an intensely surreal film directed by Andrzej Żuławski that explores themes of obsession, possession, and the blurring of reality. Its eerie atmosphere and unsettling imagery continue to haunt audiences today. Mandy, Indiana’s URGH is a sonic experience that combines elements of post-punk and noise rock to create a disorienting and chaotic soundscape. The album’s raw energy and intensity make it a must-listen for fans of avant-garde music. Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts is M83’s icy post-rock record that explores the intersection of electronic and organic soundscapes. The album’s sweeping synths and driving rhythms create a sense of urgency and tension that propels the listener forward. Billy Woods’ horrorcore masterpiece for the A24 crowd is a visceral and unflinching exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of existential dread and social anxiety. The album’s sonic landscape is both haunting and beautiful, making it a standout in the horrorcore genre. The Ballad of Black Tom is a subversive cosmic horror novella that defies genre conventions and pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable in mainstream literature. Its darkly unsettling exploration of the human psyche has captivated readers and left a lasting impression. Sudan Archives’ violin opus for the club is a masterclass in genre-bending sound, seamlessly blending elements of electronic music, R&B, and classical to create a unique sonic experience that is both nostalgic and futuristic. His House is a modern horror masterpiece that tells the story of a young mother who moves into a new home with her son, only to discover that it may be haunted by the malevolent spirit of a former occupant. The film’s tense atmosphere and slow-burning tension make it a must-watch for fans of psychological horror. Bored and Brilliant is a treatise on spacing out that explores the benefits and drawbacks of mindfulness and meditation in modern life. Its unique blend of philosophical insight and engaging storytelling makes it a compelling read for anyone interested in self-improvement or spirituality. Forever in Your Heart is a searing noise pop album that captures the intensity and raw emotion of its creators’ personal experiences. The album’s abrasive soundscapes and poetic lyrics make it a standout in the noise pop genre. A compilation of ’80s Spanish ambient and electronic music, this collection showcases the innovative work of lesser-known artists who pushed the boundaries of what was possible with synthesizers and drum machines. Its nostalgic value is undeniable, but its influence can still be felt today. Lake Mungo, a found footage classic, tells the haunting story of two sisters who die in a car accident and return as ghosts to torment their family. The film’s slow-burning tension and eerie atmosphere make it a must-watch for fans of supernatural horror. I’ve Seen All I Need to See is a brutally oppressive album that explores themes of oppression, control, and social commentary through its sonic landscape. Its abrasive soundscapes and unflinching lyrics make it a challenging but rewarding listen. Our Share of Night is an epic Argentinian horror novel that tells the story of a group of strangers who are trapped in a remote location by a supernatural force. The book’s sprawling narrative and philosophical themes make it a must-read for fans of cosmic horror. House, a bonkers Japanese fantasy horror film, follows a young boy who discovers that his home is haunted by malevolent spirits. The film’s colorful visuals and offbeat humor make it a cult classic that continues to captivate audiences today.