Bustié releases new '80s-infused dark dance opus 'THROB' (Psychic Eye Records)

New York City-based purveyor of dark dance music, Bustié, returns on the scene with a new body of work exploring ‘80s freestyle, acid house, electro, dance, and Hi-NRG influences in their fullest form yet. The upcoming full-length, THROB, releases May 22nd via Psychic Eye Records, and establishes Bustié as an international tour de force for their self-coined genre, Anarcho Body Music. Ushering in a new era, Bustié casts sonic spells with a bewitching blend of dark electro, New Beat, synth-pop, and a myriad of old-school influences.

THROB’s title is a nod to Janet Jackson’s sweltering dance track “Throb.” Much like that track, this album marks a clear direction into club-oriented dance music while celebrating community, heartbreak, social politics, and life. THROB encompasses elements of New Jack Swing, electro, disco, acid, and the freestyle flair widely recognized as the band’s foundational sound, all while packaged under the Anarcho Body Music moniker.

Combining socio-political themes and unapologetic dancefloor heat, the first single, “Lady of Dread” takes inspiration from sister deities in Egyptian mythology, Bastet and Sekhmet. Taking Hi-NRG disco and wielding it through a dark electro lens, the song is not only a spell for protection and activation but certified for the dance floor. Bustié’s sole primary member, Angelika Padilla, says, “It is a call to action. It is a spell for protection, asking for the destructive and terrifying aspects of the goddess[es] to combat our oppressors and dismantle regimes.”

The second single, “Perimeters of Love,” fills the space of industrial dance romance and New Jack Swing. The track’s influences are crystal clear, as is the message of yearning, devotion, and desire. The B-side to the single, “Smile Now, Cry Later,” references the low-rider classic by Sunny & the Sunliners. “Smile Now, Cry Later” takes us on a journey through old-school Los Angeles when freestyle, Miami booty bass, and electro filled every backyard party. It is a club track sure to unite listeners through nostalgia and culture.

“This album is finally releasing six years after it was intentionally set to debut. It is a representation of the loss, anger, heartbreak, and pain I’ve endured over this time, while trying to focus on empowering and celebrating my community,” says Padilla. “It holds a sonic representation of spells, for love, protection, and dismantling systems of oppression. This IS music for the minorities, this IS, Anarcho Body Music.” - Angelika Padilla

This album is dedicated to Angelika's late mother, Catherine, whom she lost during the making of THROB.