Self-produced musician and songwriter Danz CM, formerly known as Computer Magic, returns with ‘Ruler of Nothing’, taken from her forthcoming album The Interdimensional Extraterrestrial Time Travelers Society, arriving November 20 via Channel 9 Records. Beneath its upbeat exterior, the track explores manufactured division, the manipulation of fear and the illusion of authority, questioning who really holds the power when everything begins to fall apart.
Musically, ‘Ruler of Nothing’ is a wonderfully detailed slice of retro-inspired synth-pop. Understated analogue synths and glittering Italo-disco arpeggios provide much of the melody, accompanied by a pulsing electronic bassline, classic 80s-style drum machine rhythms and touches of guitar. There’s something distinctly vintage yet modern about the production, with intricate little flourishes adding an almost theatrical quality. Some of those cascading arpeggios even bring to mind Muse’s ‘Bliss’. Danz’s dreamy vocals carry a subtle melancholy, creating an interesting contrast with the track’s otherwise upbeat, danceable feel.
What makes ‘Ruler of Nothing’ particularly impressive is how effortlessly Danz brings all these elements together herself. There’s plenty happening beneath the surface, yet nothing feels unnecessarily complicated. Thoughtful, melodic and full of character, it’s a lovely example of how electronic music can be both danceable and emotionally affecting.
