ACTORS and ULTRA SUNN release new singles as label Artoffact provide our goth summer

Artoffact Records are a powerhouse when it comes to darkwave and goth pop music. This weekend, two of their bands, ACTORS and ULTRA SUNN, both released new singles in anticipation of new album cycles. If you are looking for your goth summer, here are two acts ready to provide.

ACTORS released their latest single, ‘Youth’, which is a glorious post-punk darkwave anthem. It has a driving rhythm, a rubbery bassline, and an overly dramatic chorus worthy of the late 1980s new romantic era. I love how the synths sound like printers from 30 years ago whirring away. Pop influences seep in with crunchy handclaps and cinematic tom drums adding flair and chaos. It’s been a while since ACTORS released an album, but this is their fourth single release this year. ACTORS have made consistently excellent darkwave and coldwave music for years. If you want to rock out with them, you can find ACTORS’ European and Canadian tour dates on their website.

ULTRA SUNN is an electro-goth duo that is more coldwave, oppressive, and sultry than outright darkwave rock.’Distress (First Take)’ is the second single following their excellent 2025 album ‘The Beast In You’, which I have on my review list for this year. The single is a dancefloor throb of cold techno basslines, electronic drums, filtered electric guitars, and Sam Huge’s deep, dirge-like vocals. Whilst the verses and chorus have a dark and dangerous tone, the bridge is accidentally chirpier because the electric guitar takes on an almost Reggae-like strumming quality. It might take a few listens to click, but I’ve often found ULTRA SUNN’s music gets better with age. For more information about their upcoming releases and tour dates, visit ULTRA SUNN’s website.

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