GelaX – “Loki” [Song Review]

Toronto-based darkwave/post-punk duo GelaX releases their new single/music video, “Loki.” The track is from their forthcoming album, Shhh…, which will be released on March 29 via Mint 400 Records.

Regarding the single, Gelax says, “‘Loki’ is the warning. The shape-shifting god is coming back to add to our chaos and deception while we’re all distracted.”

The album follows a lengthy break due to instability within the band and the world at large. Although GelaX admits that Shhh… might not be for everyone, they felt compelled to share their truth the only way they know how—through their music.

Conceived during the isolation of the COVID pandemic, Shhh… was inspired by the Iranian Women’s Freedom Movement and ongoing unrest in Palestine. The album finds GelaX exploring more portentous sounds than in previous efforts.

Made up of singer-songwriter Gelareh and multi-instrumentalist Tareq, GelaX announced their arrival with a series of singles between 2017 and 2019, climaxing with the release of their 2021 EP, Dreamonic.

Gelax, photo by Gelareh

Opening on siren-like tones, “Loki” flows into dream-like waves of synths riding an indie-rock rhythm. Gelareh’s exotic, imaginative vocals imbue the lyrics with ghostly auras of mesmerizing timbres, amplifying the spectral surfaces of the harmonics that glide and soar on cautionary textures.

At times laser-like, at other times sifting and sighing, Gelareh’s voice invests “Loki” with prophetic-dyed glazes.

Run Time: 3:37
Release Date: March 15, 2024
Record Label: Mint 400 Records