“A filthy conglomerate of weirdo electronics and hardcore intensity.” The Wire “It’s the bangers here that are undeniable.” Pitchfork “Fabulously odd music.” The Guardian Powerpant, the solitary project of Ukraine-born, London-based Theo Zhykharyev, is distinguished by its giddy bass, sizzling synth lines and melancholic vocal hooks. Both sonically and thematically the Powerplant project is ever evolving - after the lo-fi synth-punk of 2019’s breakout debut album, People in the Sun came an instrumental 2022 dungeon-synth release Stump Soup. The kaleidoscopic Grass EP (2023) was followed by last year’s 80’s rock explorations on the moody Crashing Cars 7” and the return to formula Michael Mann-inspired Heat EP. Powerplant’s newest endeavor is the Bridge of Sacrifice - a fun, black metal infused journey through all that is heavy and gothic, whilst keeping the foundation of adored pop-songwriting and melodic vocal hooks. The synth-punk debut album ‘People in the Sun’ took the internet by storm in 2019. Its fuzzy melodies landed it on ‘Best of...’ lists by Pitchfork and Bandcamp, receiving nods from Iggy Pop and Henry Rollins. Zhykharyev assembled a live band of London’s best, featuring members of Island of Love, Hitmen and Arms Race. They tour far and wide, selling out shows in Japan, Australia, US, Scandinavia and everything in between. Powerplant’s ferocity was captured on KEXP live in-studio session, and appeared at festivals like End of The Road, Outbreak and Fluff Fest, as well as shared the stage with cult rockers OSees, Show Me The Body and Ovlov. Powerplant moves at its own accord, always morphing into something more dynamic and unpredictable. With each addition to the catalog, Zhykharyev throws new sonic mutations in the mix. It’s never the same, but always 100% Powerplant.

Faze originated as a menagerie of a not-quite-supergroup, created to address the gaps in the Montreal music scene. Composed of members from diverse musical backgrounds—crust, hardcore, punk, and psych—their sound embodies the chaotic energy of a relentless snowstorm, with a brass trombone soaring overhead. Combining driving hardcore punk with tinges of psych elements they craft a sound that is melded, born not borrowed. Not only do they capture the essence of the city, but the members also actively contribute to its vibrant culture from multiple perspectives. With two albums released and tours across various countries, Faze represents the spirit of Montreal, alongside the city’s hardcore punk scene.