The Peripheries, a six-piece band from northern Italy, are poised to make waves with the release of their debut EP, A New Oblivion, headlined by the dark and evocative lead single, ‘Murmansk’. Formed in 2023, The Peripheries are made up of Claudio ‘Udo’ Bianconi (bass), John Johnson, aka Arnar Arvesson (guitar, synths, backing vocals), Sabina ‘Morgana’ Morgagni (beats and merch), Carlo ‘Wiz’ Rossi (lead vocals and graphics), Flaminia ‘Flame’ Samperi (synths), and Giorgia ‘Z03’ Righini (backing vocals and visuals).
The band draws from a melting pot of influences, merging indie, punk, alternative rock, and darkwave into a genre-defying sound that feels apocalyptic and deeply atmospheric. The driving force behind their music is John Johnson, a former member of the Oxford-based band Cody. Johnson brings his experience as a songwriter and composer to the forefront of the group’s sound. Other members have extensive backgrounds in music and art, from death metal and flamenco to visual design.
The lead single ‘Murmansk’ embodies the essence of The Peripheries’ sound—darkwave meets 80s-inspired new wave, laced with synths, drum machines, and eerie guitar lines. The track is a brooding, fever-dream of a song, inspired by Carlo’s vision of a post-apocalyptic wasteland during a winter-induced delirium. It blends a hypnotic bassline with haunting melodies, all culminating in a climactic cascade of analogue rhythms and synths. The minimalist yet expansive production adds a sense of tension that builds throughout the track, pulling listeners into its unsettling, yet captivating world.
Described as “when you are walking towards oblivion, sometimes it is easier to dance”, ‘Murmansk’ serves as a platform for The Peripheries to stake their claim in the underground music scene. With influences ranging from Clan of Xymox, to more contemporary sounds like Molchat Doma and Mareux, their sound offers a nostalgia-free take on the classic vibes of 1980s alternative music, while pushing the boundaries of experimental darkwave.
The Peripheries’ music, steeped in haunting atmospheres and lyrical depth, connects on a visceral level. Their visual and sonic storytelling creates an immersive experience for listeners, and with A New Oblivion, they are set to expand their audience well beyond their Italian homeland. Fans of genre-defying, emotionally charged music will find something special in the dark, introspective world of The Peripheries.
