Glorybots Tread New Terrain with Upcoming LP, mad.end

Written by Tom White

Glorybots, the brainchild of musician Ethan Drone, is preparing to unveil its fourth LP, mad.end, in Spring 2025. With a sound that fuses post-punk urgency, alternative rock textures, and electronic undercurrents, the album promises a new chapter for the Seattle-based project. The first single, "Pain Rain," is already streaming on all major platforms, offering a glimpse into the band’s evolving sonic landscape. Two additional singles will follow in the coming months, deepening anticipation for the full release.

A Sonic Evolution Rooted in Experimentation

Since its debut, Glorybots has carved a distinctive path through the independent music scene. Ethan Drone, the project's principal songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, launched the band with a vision to merge the mechanical allure of electronic soundscapes with the raw pulse of analog instrumentation. From the atmospheric beginnings of their first album, Dark Alien Pop, to the more guitar-driven textures of Invisible, and the richly layered compositions of Radiation Skies, each release has marked a new step in the band’s creative journey. With mad.end, Glorybots leans further into this fusion, blending unconventional arrangements with haunting melodies and a sense of shadowed beauty.

"Pain Rain," the first single from the forthcoming album, sets the tone with its brooding rhythms and evocative lyrics. The track balances ethereal synth work with gritty guitar lines, reflecting the project's ongoing exploration of emotional and sonic contrasts. Fans can expect the next two singles to expand on these themes, each offering another facet of the band’s intricate soundscape.

The Vision Behind the Music

Ethan Drone's creative ethos revolves around letting the music flow organically. In the past, he grappled with the impulse to shape his sound toward familiar styles, but with Glorybots, he has embraced a more instinctual process. This openness to creative spontaneity has allowed the project to evolve naturally, unbound by rigid genre definitions.

The thematic core of mad.end touches on uncertainty and transformation, yet a thread of hope runs through the album. For Drone, music is both an exploration and a reflection of human creativity's boundless potential. This philosophy resonates across Glorybots' discography, where mechanical precision meets the warmth of human emotion.

Musical Roots and Influences

Glorybots draws inspiration from a broad spectrum of artists who have blurred the lines between electronic and rock. The sonic fingerprints of The Cure, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, and Love and Rockets echo throughout their work. Yet, rather than mimicking these influences, Drone channels their spirit of experimentation to craft a sound that stands on its own.

Career Milestones and Future Horizons

Since its inception, Glorybots has garnered attention from critics and listeners alike. The band's debut earned a spot on The Ark of Music's Top 10 Albums of 2018, and a 2019 West Coast tour introduced their immersive sound to new audiences. Drone's previous band, Echo Texture, also left its mark, including an opening slot for the Dandy Warhols. These milestones reflect a commitment to pushing creative boundaries while building a deeper connection with listeners.

Looking ahead, Glorybots aims to bring their sound to more prominent stages and new audiences. With the upcoming release of mad.end, the band aims to continue this trajectory, offering a sonic experience that invites listeners to immerse themselves fully.

Stay connected with Glorybots and follow their journey through their latest releases and updates on Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky. For a taste of Ethan Drone's earlier work, check out this live Echo Texture performance, a glimpse into the roots of his creative evolution.

Photo Credit: Glorybots