Seances, a Milwaukee-based post-punk group led by Eric Arsnow (Fight Dice, Devils Teeth), has released their latest single, "Weighted." The song is the second preview of their upcoming debut album, Power Is A Phantom, which arrives February 28, 2025, via Triple Eye Industries.
Seances blends dark melodies, pulsing basslines, and haunting synths with lyrics influenced by horror films and surreal experiences of déjà vu. Arsnow, who serves as the band's vocalist and bassist, drew inspiration from his long-time admiration of post-punk and new wave legends like The Cure, Joy Division, and The Chameleons. He credits seeing The Chameleons perform in Milwaukee in 2023 as the spark that pushed him to create Seances. That night, he returned home and quickly outlined an entire album using just his bass.
The band took shape with contributions from guitarist Jason Kartz, who helped turn early demos into fully realized songs. Arsnow also collaborated with other musicians, including Bex V, who provided additional vocals on "Forgiveness" and "Hours." Even his sons, Dexter and Paxton, contributed backing vocals to the album, adding a personal touch to the project.
"Weighted" started as a synth-driven idea Arsnow recorded while working remotely in Kansas City. The melody lingered in his mind during a late-night drive through Iowa, leading him to record voice memos capturing arrangement ideas. The song took shape around themes of acceptance, accountability, and empathy, mirroring the emotions he processed that night.
Seances' music thrives on atmosphere and introspection, channeling post-punk’s signature blend of moody textures and driving rhythms. The influence of Peter Hook, Mark Burgess, and Simon Gallup is evident in Arsnow’s bass work, yet Seances crafts something uniquely their own. "Weighted" highlights the band’s ability to merge hypnotic synth lines with melancholic but urgent songwriting, making for a compelling listen.
For fans of brooding, melodic post-punk, Seances offers an engaging new voice. Seances captures the brooding vocals and atmosphere of Joy Division, channeling their stark intensity and minimalist approach to melody. Meanwhile, their use of layered synths, dramatic vocal delivery, and reverb-drenched guitars mirrors the melancholic yet anthemic guitar sounds of The Cure. Their debut promises a rich exploration of dark, evocative soundscapes that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly personal. Power Is A Phantom is shaping up to be an essential release for the genre in 2025.