Kansas City & Brighton synth-pop duo Disaster Fantasy returns with their sophomore EP, Girl Machine, delivering a captivating blend of dark, experimental sounds and infectious synth-pop. Released on November 1st via Popular Noise Records, this five-track project showcases the distinct musical chemistry between vocalist Ryann Donnelly (formerly of Schoolyard Heroes) and multi-instrumentalist Byron Kalet, fusing disco, alternative-pop, and a whimsical edge into a cohesive sound.
Led by the title track, “Girl Machine,” the EP captures a vibrant mix of vintage nu-wave tones with a modern twist. The lead single stands out with its pulsing disco-inspired beat, bright analogue synths, and angular guitar riffs, all layered beneath Donnelly’s haunting vocals. The song, both catchy and edgy, explores the concept of a “hot, perfect, sexy robot” who requires none of the emotional or physical upkeep of a real person, inspired by Kraftwerk’s The Man Machine. It’s a playful yet poignant reflection on identity and the allure of perfection, delivered with a captivating mix of buoyancy and darkness.
Recorded in just five days, Girl Machine is laced with urgency and creative spontaneity, capturing moments that feel both experimental and polished. The EP touches on universal themes of love, loss, and escapism while spinning tales of robots, Hollywood legends, and sorcery. It’s an adventurous journey through sound, with nods to both the duo’s musical pasts and a bold step forward in defining their unique style.
