Fragments Vol. 8 // Summer LP Roundup
This column, titled “Fragments,” has been running for three years and is only available for two months each year (July and August). I created it to recommend albums that I haven’t had the chance to review throughout the year (here on WL//WH), as well as to highlight some artists who have frequently appeared on my radio show. I tend to remember the ones I like and always make time for “another listen.” You can think of this column as a refreshing summer feature or as a collection of some standouts from the first half of the year 2026 A.D.
- TRANXHAINE – “Anamnèse” LP [self-released]
Our beloved elves from the roadblocks of life have released their debut album, underscoring their seriousness about the urban pressures of this cursed continent in the human world. Introducing TRANXHAINE from France, who weave “traumas, but make them danceable.” “ANAMNÉSE” LP was published earlier on July 10, and everything in this awesome album expresses truths and facts that our dark kind has learned to live with, as well as the fears and “conditions” we tolerate. This music blends electronic post-punk with elements of gothic influences, all rooted in the streets of their city.
This special debut album features several maxi singles, filled with passion and a significant dose of honesty in all (music, lyrics, sound, and attitude). You will hear music that reflects some of your own experiences, from your personal struggles, your deepest emotions, your bitter tears, and the stones you’ve thrown at life. Their music will surround you like an iron veil that may not protect you, but offers something different—perhaps something better or something familiarly “suspicious”. It serves as a representation of your life in the city, capturing the alternative dark soundtrack of your present and your very recent past. This album from the trio from France is undeniably captivating; like they broke down our door and entered the WL//WH, welcome then!!!
- CRONE CALL – “Fire Sea” LP [self-released]
This album captivated me immediately; its melodies played on the radio, of course. I’m at a loss for words, as I’m enchanted by this very special score from Chloe. Introducing the one-woman act Crone Call (Portland) and her debut Fire Sea LP, which was released earlier on July 15. A dark work, within (from) this uniquely dark world we live in, these are the seeds of our time, and these are also the modern flowers of evil, but what an impressive album this is. Much passion, much meaning, and I won’t write much else…no need, I’ll just put her words about her first album…I challenge you, dare this album.
“A dramatic solo project, Crone Call’s cried-out poetry warns listeners to act out and find survival in a ruthless, mechanical world. Analog synths are performed (no computers), with NDW, deathrock, and synth-punk influence. Drum programming is overlaid by gritty leads, uneasy strings, and expansive, warning horns. Repetitive bass-lines drive the vibe, alternating between melodic punch and brooding growls… lore-filled story of escape and the awfulness of survival in two parts. Expect moonlit gutters, oiled machine teeth, rocky wastes, and houses burning. Expect discouragement.”
- CHALK TEETH – “Chalk Teeth” LP [self-released]
A very strong debut by CHALK TEETH from L.A., with very good music, and a versatile album from this trio from California. All the elements here are “indescribable,” and I find myself obsessively listening to this album. It embodies synth-punk and post-punk influences while also feeling a bit shoegazey and trippy too.
Overall, it has a distinctly urban vibe and is designed to be cinematic. This intention isn’t something I impose; rather, it’s inherent in the music of this new creation. I’ll intrigue you a little bit more by asking you to discover, to find for yourself what language these songs you’ll hear are in…let’s go…to this band with the strange name that makes this remarkable music here.
- NEO DIMES – “Alone” LP [self-released]
On May 19, the Denver-based producer Stephen Edmunds, aka Neo Dimes, published his debut “ALONE” LP. By December 2025, he had already uploaded five single tracks to Bandcamp. Now, the time had come to showcase his full-length album to the world, which included various “traps” and other creative pursuits, as “this is flawed and human music in a place subsumed by slop. This is a warning for the watched world. This is a scream into the void.”
My “concern” is that the album is filled with musical passages that have a steady heartbeat, and all created by a musician who expresses his musical views on the world’s beautiful condemnation. The music here is neo-industrial with arrows coming from the darkwave and some unyielding shoegaze walls and landscapes, this album is very interesting. Believe me, it has more than three tracks or so that will go on repeat on their own.
- NEVER – “The Gray” LP [VEYL Records]
Awesome and extravagant is the new THE GRAY LP by NEVER (Milan), it was released on June 26, and it features some pretty cool collaborations with names such as Contre Soirée, Meldamor, Castelli, and Filmmaker. There are 11 new powerful songs, each one truly impactful, and may it never dawn. Industrial, post-punk, on electronic rails, and with a slight deathrock flair, this album takes the NEVER to the next level, with a more solid sound and more unrepentant songs to dance to until the end of the world.
There are plenty of nice and catchy riffs, along with some “stadium” moments and outbursts that really stand out. One great advantage is that all 11 tracks are so enjoyable that you’ll want to hit repeat as soon as they finish. In other words, this is a solid album that I promise can easily become one of your summer favorites. Even when winter arrives, you’ll find yourself listening to it over and over again, and this thing never ends.
Written by Mike D.
