In the realms of the eerie and the surreal, Sort of Damocles stands unmatched and unacknowledged. Chris van der Laan has built a discography of diverse dark lo-fi pop experiments over the past decade, sometimes working alone while at others collaborating with a recurring cast of artists. The recently completed tetralogy of collaborative albums with Squints Palledorous features some of the most haunted and heartfelt goth-tinged synth noise pop to ever be committed to a digital audio format. Prior releases showcase an affinity for Dungeon Synth and the bleakest recesses of the underground, weaving a patchwork of disparate influences into grim sound shapes.

With sincerity, sharp humour and surprising inventiveness, Sort of Damocles makes music that is truly unique and worth treasuring. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on a “prohibitively expensive” limited edition DIY lathe cut from the artist’s own Boat Dreams From The Hill label, then you are among a very lucky few.

Recommended for fans of: Twin Tribes, Drab Majesty, Lebanon Hanover, Cold Cave, Dungeon Synth, wallowing, despairing and weed.