Saturn Return releases ‘no strings’ EP

After years of silence and a reputation built on cryptic sonic output, Saturn Return have re-emerged from the shadows with a new chapter in their ever-shifting mythos. The Denver and New York-based duo, formed by Timm Bielec on drums, bass and synths and Michael Zucker on vocals and guitars first linked up during their time at Differential Productions. From the start, the project has walked a unique path between the spiritual and the cerebral, fusing progressive structures with esoteric lyricism to create something that’s felt more like a ritual than a band.

Their debut EP, A Hidden Metric, landed in 2014 with a spontaneous, three-track release that shimmered with progressive pop vibes and a taste for the unorthodox. That same year saw the arrival of Electronica Mystica, their first full-length, an album that hinted at deeper artistic ambition and a mission for crafting work that felt at once arcane and musically exciting. Their follow-up EP Equinox only expanded the mystery, presenting a compact but potent exploration of sound and symbolism before the project slipped into silence once again.

Now, more than six years since their last transmission, Saturn Return have returned with no strings, a brand new four-track EP that marks a dramatic shift in form without abandoning the spirit of the project. As hinted to in the title, there are no guitars or traditional instruments here, only synthetic soundscapes and vocals, a decision that reframes their sound with thrilling effect. What remains unchanged is their fascination with the occult and the mystical, which continues to shape the lyrical spine of the work.

Opened by “bynepor,” the bright zap of airy synth tones are met with Michael’s emotive vocal leads, forming a spacey soundscape that builds with the brushed rattle of percussion and mesmeric call and response vocal lines. Sweeps of bass synth elements add buzzing textures as the track flows through moments of pulsing kicks and dreamy aesthetic before abrupt switch ups take the listener on a gripping sonic voyage packed full of twists and turns.

“neidan” follows with ominous synth layers of droning bass and bubbling flashes as the vocals enter to spin lively melodic flutters above. Capturing an innovative sound of avant-garde synth pop cut with punk energy, it’s a spectacular showcase of Saturn Return’s wild creativity and fiercely original musical world, offering an enthralling listening experience from start to finish.

With “kun,” the pair serve up a hazy scene of pattering drums, intricate instrumental flickers and impassioned vocal performance, gliding with memorable melodic writing and surging energy. Punching drums and gritty synth tones ebb and flow to cast a disorienting yet thoroughly engaging musical moment unlike any other.

Closing the EP with “Under a Supermoon,” the moody fuzz of synth and swell of atmospheric tones set a gently lilting rhythm as smooth stretches of Michael’s voice ring out above. Descending into an enveloping sound of contrasting synth arrangement and sparse beat-driven avenues, the track floats down to a soothing finale to offer a superb conclusion to Saturn Return’s new EP with she’s them make their return in emphatic fashion.

Listen to no strings below