{"id":22058,"date":"2026-08-19T08:11:21","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T13:11:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mkultramagazine.com\/?p=22058"},"modified":"2026-08-19T08:12:02","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T13:12:02","slug":"tiny-magnetic-pets-explore-darker-cinematic-territory-on-astralux-ep-out-august-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mkultramagazine.com\/?p=22058","title":{"rendered":"TINY MAGNETIC PETS explore darker cinematic territory on \u2018Astralux\u2019 EP — out August 21"},"content":{"rendered":"
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photo by Conor Kerr<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrated Irish electronic \/ synthwave outfit Tiny Magnetic Pets<\/strong><\/a> release their three-track <\/strong>\u2018Astralux\u2019 EP<\/strong><\/a> on July 21st, boldly reinventing several of their most-loved tracks and blending cinematic synth textures, soaring melodies and electronic pulse. Their musical journey has seen them championed by Blitz Club and Visage legend Rusty Egan, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD)<\/strong>, and electronic music pioneer Vince Clarke<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lead track \u2018Lost My Guiding Light (Again)\u2019<\/strong><\/a> offers a stellar transformation of the original version into a vibrant new anthem. Reflecting the search for hope and direction in an increasingly uncertain world, inviting listeners to consider what their own guiding light might be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u2018Astralux\u2019 EP also features two remixes of ‘Low Places’<\/strong><\/a>, which appeared on the band’s 2025 ‘Harmonious Grey’ EP<\/a><\/strong>. For this, the trio teamed up with pioneering producer and DJ Paul Dakeyne<\/strong><\/a>, whose innovative work has helped shape electronic dance music for over three decades. A Ministry of Sound<\/strong> resident DJ, he has played sets for U2<\/strong> and Kraftwerk<\/strong>. Endorsed by Paul Oakenfold<\/strong> and Fatboy Slim<\/strong>, he has created 250+ remixes, including for George Michael, The Cure, Tori Amos, New Order, Enya, Soft Cell, Erasure, Nancy Sinatra, Yello<\/strong>, and The Housemartins<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based between Dublin and Belfast, Tiny Magnetic Pets has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary electronic music since emerging in 2015. Here, vocalist Paula Gilmer<\/strong>, keyboardist-guitarist Sean Quinn<\/strong> and drummer Eugene Somers<\/strong> are joined by Seamus Quinn <\/strong>on bass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mixed and mastered by Tim Dorney<\/strong><\/a>, perhaps best known as keyboardist of Republica<\/strong><\/a>, he was also a member of Flowered Up<\/strong> and Tin Gun<\/strong>, this release combines classic synth-pop songwriting with contemporary electronic production, bringing together melodic depth and club-ready energy. With the melodic songwriting and electronic textures that have defined Tiny Magnetic Pets’ sound, this EP is infused with adventurous new energy, making a confident statement about where they are heading next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen we play live we like to do different versions from the records. Last year, we were asked to play a dance music festival in Dublin, so we re-arranged the opening track from our second album \u2018Deluxe\/Debris\u2019 for an EDM audience, and it has now become the opening tune to our live shows,\u201d explains Sean Quinn<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe re-recorded this new version in 2026 and we feel it is significantly different from the original to warrant its own release and slight re-title: Lost My Guiding Light (Again) – a wee nod to Bowie\u2019s John I\u2019m Only Dancing (Again).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paula Gilmer<\/strong> adds, \u201cA re-imagining of two of our most popular live tracks for the 21st century dancefloor, the lead track is about how everyone at some point loses their way – in life, in work, in relationships, in faith but the theme carries more weight in 2026 with the whole world seemingly losing its way! What is your \u201cguiding light\u201d in 2026? Morality? Truth? Honesty? Love? Empathy? Compassion? Fill in the blank, post it on TikTok and hope it goes viral.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With their early releases championed by Blitz Club<\/strong> and Visage<\/strong> legend Rusty Egan<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>and performances across the UK and Europe, the band eventually met OMD’s<\/strong>Andy McCluskey<\/strong>, beginning a relationship that led to two European tours supporting Orchestral <\/strong><\/a>Manoeuvres<\/strong><\/a> In The Dark<\/strong><\/a>. Tiny Magnetic Pets have since established themselves as a formidable live act, supporting Midge Ure, VNV Nation <\/strong>and The Killers\u2019 Dave Keuning<\/strong>, as well as sharing festival stages with Human League, Michael Rother (NUE!) Wolfgang Flur (ex-Kraftwerk), Mesh<\/strong> and Killing Joke<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A glimpse of the next phase in Tiny Magnetic Pets’ musical evolution, its rhythms and emotional core point towards the darker, more cinematic sound of their coming fourth studio album, \u2018A Black Frame\u2019<\/strong>, which promises to be the band’s most ambitious chapter yet. Out later this year, it is produced by Gareth Jones<\/strong><\/a>, whose work with Depeche Mode, Wire, Interpol <\/strong>and Nick Cave<\/strong> has made him one of alternative music’s most respected producers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of August 21st, the ‘Astralux’ EP is available from digital music platforms<\/strong>, including Spotify<\/a>, Apple Music<\/a><\/strong> and Bandcamp<\/strong><\/a>. The \u2018Astralux\u2019 EP follows exactly one month later on August 21st.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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