Synth-pop duo Disaster Fantasy, the transatlantic collaboration between vocalist Ryann Donnelly and multi-instrumentalist Byron Kalet, released their latest EP, Girl Machine, through Popular Noise Records. With roots firmly planted in Kansas City and Brighton, the duo’s sophomore project melds disco, darkwave, and alternative-pop into a striking showcase of their unique musical chemistry.
The lead single and title track, Girl Machine, epitomizes this sound, setting a propulsive beat beneath layers of buzzing analog synths and angular bass riffs. Topped by Donnelly’s haunting vocals, the track is a sonic journey that fuses infectious danceability with a distinctly edgy undercurrent. The single has already drawn comparisons to synth-pop icons Kraftwerk and OMD while evoking the more modern sounds of LCD Soundsystem and Robyn, signaling a bold direction for Disaster Fantasy.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the track, Donnelly explained, “As I was writing, the words and melody for the chorus—GIRL MACHINE—came first. It’s this fantasy of being a hot, perfect, sexy robot, free from the physical or emotional upkeep of a body. And as fans of Kraftwerk, it also felt like a playful response to The Man Machine.” This playful yet edgy aesthetic runs throughout the EP, which melds a wide range of influences, including icons like Roxy Music, Gary Numan, and Blondie, with modern acts like Nation of Language, St. Vincent, and Miss Grit.
Girl Machine wasn’t just a sonic experiment; it was born from a whirlwind five-day recording session that straddled the end of 2023 and the start of 2024. For the duo, who live continents apart, the brief timeframe demanded a sense of urgency, creative risk, and spontaneity. “We had just days to make this record, so it’s infused with a kind of intense energy and raw creativity,” Donnelly shared. “It’s like there are robots, Hollywood legends, and magic woven throughout, while tackling themes from love and loss to wild nights in Paris.”
Produced and mixed by Kalet himself and mastered by Shellac’s Bob Weston, Girl Machine offers a sonic palette of radiant, nu-wave synths, and hypnotic beats that recall 80s pop while staying sharply in line with today’s electronic scene. Kalet’s production prowess brings out the textural richness of each track, merging brooding atmospheres with vibrant, danceable rhythms that feel simultaneously vintage and fresh.
Having both achieved acclaim in their previous projects—Donnelly as part of Seattle’s Schoolyard Heroes, and Kalet through his label Popular Noise—the duo formed Disaster Fantasy as an artistic outlet for their combined fascination with dark, experimental pop. Their debut EP quickly established them as a rising act, garnering praise from alternative music outlets like Post-Punk.com and Glasse Factory. With Girl Machine, they’ve further cemented their reputation, pushing the envelope with their blend of brooding synths, disco beats, and lyrical depth.
As Disaster Fantasy continues to develop their sound, Girl Machine stands as a testament to their dedication to pushing creative boundaries. It’s a release that invites listeners into a world where synthetic fantasies collide with raw emotion, challenging and reshaping the very nature of modern synth-pop. Fans and critics alike will find much to celebrate—and to dance to—in this daring, imaginative record.
Listen below: