Antenatal shares new EP ‘A Dry Darkness’

Hailing from Kocaeli in northwestern Turkey, Antenatal is an enigmatic alternative rock project shaped by vision, solitude and a mission to approach creation differently. Founded by Yakuphan Kolbay back in 2014, the project has gradually formed into a distinct outlet where heavy guitars, self-directed production and modern technology collide. Built largely from a home studio environment, Antenatal feels like one person constructing an entire world from creativity and sheer artistic determination.

At the centre of that world is Yakuphan himself and as the project’s driving creative force, he also takes on bass guitar, electric guitar and lyric writing, handling the structural pillars of the music from multiple angles. That hands-on approach gives Antenatal a strong sense that every riff, progression and lyrical thread is tied to one creative source, resulting in music that feels focused and truly purposeful.

Embracing cutting edge music technology, Yakuphan uses artificial intelligence to bring the voice of Antenatal to life. It’s a tool used in service of atmosphere, identity and sonic experimentation, adding another layer to an act already defined by self-sufficiency. That combination of analogue impact and digital possibility gives Antenatal an intriguing tension; guitars remain central, carrying the energy associated with alternative rock, yet the process behind the music points toward something new.

Although founded in 2014, Antenatal first stepped into public view in January 2023 with debut single “You Just Choose.” The release served as an introduction to Yakuphan’s fiercely individual sonic vision, delivering a gripping instrumental rock experience. Now the project returns with its most complete presentation to date in the form of debut EP titled A Dry Darkness. Across three original tracks, alongside a Clear Version of one of the songs, the EP offers a fuller picture of how Yakuphan’s ideas connect and expand over a longer format.

The title track “A Dry Darkness” sets up the release with the melancholic tones of fluttering female vocalisations before the arrangement builds with the pulse of drums, bass and bright guitar leads. Launching with the steady crash of drums and slick guitar riffs, the track flows through moments of solitary vocals and crunching metal-focused energy, resulting in an anthemic listening experience from start to finish.

The Clear Version of the song follows, reframing the pure sonic intensity in a stripped back setting, casting a dark and atmospheric soundscape where the haunting vocal melodies float above restrained guitar and bass notes. “Will the Sun Rise Again” starts with the intricate plucks of clean guitar as hushed vocals glide with expressive delivery, gradually developing with the rattle of punching drums to deliver an engrossing alternative rock scene.

Closing the EP with “When the Time Comes,” the lively bounce of strings is met by gritty guitar notes and rolling drums before the track erupts into a thrilling metal sound. Capped by commanding vocal leads and driven by charging drums and biting riffs, the track flows into a spectacular chorus where half-time rhythms and soaring vocals combine to serve up a thrilling finale to the incredible debut EP from Antenatal.

With A Dry Darkness, Antenatal moves from intriguing introduction to fully formed proposition and through its release, Yakuphan Kolbay has built a project that honours the force of alternative rock while embracing new tools and independent methods. In doing so, he firmly plants himself on the map of exciting alternative rock acts on the rise and we can’t wait to see what Antenatal has in store next.

Listen to A Dry Darkness below