Retrovision: The Light - Contrasting Strangers

 Originally released in 1985, “Contrasting Strangers” by Liverpool’s The Light is one of those forgotten gems of the British new-wave and synth-pop era, led by Brian Atherton and released after demise of Box of Toys. The accompanying animated video won the award for Best Animation in the low-budget category at the 1985 British Video Awards. 

Magic Wands - Guardians

 Magic Wands return with “Guardians,” a shimmering new single. Formed in 2008 and already active during the early 2010s, the band has spent years moving between dream-pop, shoegaze, post-punk and goth. “Guardians” feels like one of their most distinctive songs yet and it will be featured on their upcoming album Sun Kiss, out in February 2027.

Perfume Genius Shares New Single “Natural High”

Perfume Genius returns with new song “Natural High,” his first new music since the 2025 album Glory. Co-produced with Pascal Stevenson of Fashion Club, the track was created for The Lesson, a new live music and dance performance developed with choreographer Kate Wallich. 

WAW: Clan of Xymox - Broken Heart

Clan of Xymox return with “Broken Heart,” the first new music from the Dutch darkwave veterans since their 2024 album Exodus. Released on September 23 as part of the double A-side single "Broken Heart / Fire",the new single is accompanied by an official video, bringing Clan of Xymox back into the darkwave spotlight.

 

Geneva Jacuzzi – Nu2U

Geneva Jacuzzi has premiered a new video for “Nu2U,” taken from her 2024 album Triple Fire. . Directed and edited by Jacuzzi herself, the video transforms the song into a miniature cosmic cabaret, with handmade sets, extravagant costumes and a distinctly theatrical aesthetic. 

Ex-Post Wave - 100 Essential Underground Tracks of the 2010s

 Ex-Post Wave is a project that compiles the discoveries that defined the 2010s — or, more precisely, the discoveries that became important to Burning Flame during that decade. Here is a bit of the rationale behind it.

The title Ex-Post Wave refers to the way of looking back several years after it has ended, when enough time has passed to assess which artists, songs and discoveries still feel significant today or are absolute obscure jewels.

This list isn't meant to be a definitive history of minimal synth, darkwave, post-punk or synth-pop. It is something more personal: a collection of artists and songs that emerged, resurfaced, or became important for us during the 2010s and, in one way or another, found their way into the world of Burning Flame (hi)story.

Instant Hit: Trem - My Robotic Friend

Here’s another minimal-wave obscurity from 1983, this time by the little-known trio Trem, led by Robert Rendall, who released only this single, “My Robotic Friend.” There’s a certain charm to this analogue-synth-driven, futuristic-sounding artefact of the early UK minimal-wave scene that deserves to be rediscovered.

 

Diesein – I Don’t Want You

Diesein, the solo project of Laslo Antal, known from Sixth June (Lidija Andonov featured on backing vocals) and Cult Club fame, released his third album, I Like It / I Hate It, a year ago. Mixing synths with artpop and alongside with that sharp, signature saxophone tone, this overall recalls the elegant minimalism of Fiat Lux. The latest video, “I Don’t Want You,” has just been premiered in YouTube. 

Simple Minds Announce New Album "Sacrosanct"

 Simple Minds have recently premiered their brand new single "Beginner Boys" which also announces their 19th studio album, Sacrosanct out in January 2027. Inspired by their recent global touring, the new tracks draw heavily from the band's early art-rock and new-wave roots.