Kansas City & Brighton synth-pop duo Disaster Fantasy release the striking new EP ‘Girl Machine‘. Led by the new single, and title track ‘Girl Machine’, the EP showcases the duo’s most complete work to date.
A collaboration between vocalist Ryann Donnelly (Schoolyard Heroes) and multi-instrumentalist Byron Kalet (Journal of Popular Noise, Popular Noise Records), Disaster Fantasy have already made a name for their distinctive blend of disco, alternative-pop and experimental flair. Both veterans of the dark and experimental Pacific Northwest music scene, the pair now reside in Kansas City and Brighton respectively.
Sonically the duo’s sound still remains rooted in the gloom and synth-driven aesthetics that have seen them gain widespread success previously, drawing inspiration from a wide range of artists, citing synth legends like Kraftwerk and OMD but also drawing comparisons to LCD Soundsystem, Robyn and Blondie.
Disaster Fantasy returns with their sophomore EP, ‘Girl Machine’, delivering the same intensity as their debut but with a whimsical and fantastical edge. Produced, Mixed by band member Byron Kalet before being mastered by Bob Weston (Shellac) the EP brings a radiant nu-wave synth-pop sound palette. The dark, experimental spirit and brooding atmosphere contrasts against the infectious melodies, vibrant analogue synths and danceable beats to create soundscapes which are catchy yet strikingly alternative.
The radiant lead single and title track, highlights this musical approach, bringing a tight, disco inspired four to the beat under layers of buzzing analogue synths and bright layers of angular guitar and bass. Topped with the haunting, and atmospheric lead vocals of Donnelly, the track contrasts its buoyant vocals with the dark electronic undertones of the instrumentation. Catchy yet effortlessly edgy and affirmingly alternative thanks to the saw synth tones, the track highlights the duo’s unique blend of styles and ability to capture vintage nu-wave tones whilst bringing a current accessibility.
Talking about the track, lead singer Ryann explains:
“As I was writing to the track I heard the words and melody for the chorus first: GIRL MACHINE. From there it became a fun fantasy of being this hot, perfect, sexy robot that doesn’t require the physical or emotional upkeep of a body. The machinery is complicated, but ultimately you just have to know which buttons to press. And, as Kraftwerk fans, we also really liked it as a response to The Man Machine.”
Continuing to talk about the full EP, Ryann adds: “We recorded this EP over 5 days as we crossed from the end of 2023 into the beginning of 2024, in what would be a powerful creative moment. We live in totally different parts of the world and that was all the time we had to record, so it’s laced with a sense of urgency, creative risk and play, and bears nods to our musical pasts, while striving to define the sound of this new record. For Byron, the experience of recording was focused and potent. There are somehow robots, Hollywood legends, and sorcery, packed onto this 5-song project, but it’s grappling with some universal themes from love to loss, to partying in Paris.
Musical influences included classics such as Roxy Music, Gary Numan, Iggy Pop, Amanda Lear and Human League. But also took inspiration from more modern releases like LCD Soundsystem, Nation of Language, St Vincent, Teleman, Mildlife, and Miss Grit”
Having already had massive success in previous projects, Ryann Donnelly and Byron Kalet have both already seen the embers of success starting to glow with Disaster Fantasy. Early reviews from the likes of Post-Punk.com and Glasse Factory have seen the duo establish themselves as one to watch, a sentiment which is carried into the rich musicality of the new EP ‘Girl Machine’.
