On The Wane's 'Schism' LP Scratches Society's Dark Underbelly

Today I am totally stoked to introduce you to a brilliant Western-looking musical gem from the East (Eastern Europe that is). Unless you're quite the buff regarding the international shoegaze scene, you've likely not heard of them - but you will :). This is brilliant dark gaze, with penetrating vocals against a well-executed backdrop of post-punk infused shoegaze. presenting themes more topical than your typical girlfriend-breakup depression-tinted shoegaze fare.

'Human Race' is the first single presented from the forthcoming 'Schism' album (the band's third significant release). Stay tuned as they reveal tidbits of goodness ahead of the album release on Nov. 20th.

On the Wane is Daria Maksimova (bass, vocals), Anna Lyashok (drums, vocals), Eugene Voitov (guitar, synth), and Eli Demyanenko (guitar). Together, the four-piece have become a smooth cohesive force in the shoegaze, neo-gothic and noise rock realm.

In early 2017, the band recorded the 10 tracks that would become the full-length album'Schism' at the studio of the Kyiv-based band Sinoptik (winners of the worldwide music competition Global Battle of the Bands 2016) and under the direction of sound engineer Dima Afanasyev-Gladkykh (a.k.a. Sinoptik).

The band formed in early 2014, influenced by 1980s alternative rock icons such as Sonic Youth, The Cure, Joy Division, The Pixies and Bauhaus, as well as shoegaze giants My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Cocteau Twins, and Ringo Deathstarr. They rented a garage, went into debt by buying guitar amplifiers, drums and a line, and settled comfortably in the garage until autumn.

In October of that year, they had enough material for their first album 'DRY', which was naive, honest and raw. Recorded during a continuous 27-hour session by well-known Kiev drummer Artur Mikhailenko in his garage studio, it was then mixed and mastered by Sevastopol-based producer Alexander Chabanenko.

Released in December 2014, that album was immediately well received by Ukrainian media with moderate attention abroad in Britain, Ireland, Canada, South America and the USA.

Following a series of shows in Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine, they recorded their second release, now with hard-core vibes inspired by Mudhoney, Fugazi and similar bands. They unleashed their anxious 6-track 'Sick' EP on the world, delivering an angst-filled unbalanced sound.

After Eli Demianenko joined the band, they added synthesizers, a drum machine and drum pad and toured more, allowing them to hone their current sound. With a partially electronic and cold sound, the atmosphere became darker, their trademark wall of guitar sound became more meaningful, and distinct vocals became more self-confident.

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