Pennsylvania dark electronic act, The Russian White, brews a potent blend of post-punk, synthwave, and witch house, channeling the eerie pulse of ’80s stalker thrillers. Signed to Distortion Productions, their “deathwave” soundscape ripples with haunting beats, shimmering effects, and lush vocals. They conjure moods of obsession and beauty, drawing listeners into tales of the unknown. Imagine a kinship with bands like Health, Crosses, and Nine Inch Nails—music that unearths the beautiful yet unsettling shadows lurking beneath the surface, all framed by a hypnotic electronic pulse.
The Russian White plunges deeper into the darkness with Milieu, the third piece of their haunting video trilogy, which begins with Funeral Art and We Disappear. The descent sharpens, shadowed by desperation, as the central figure spirals further into madness, lost in the churning void of his own doubts and desires. This chapter claws at the edges of sanity, grasping for a fleeting sense of belief amid chaos.
Tim Heireth, known for his work with Joy Machine, Brand New Idol, and The Lonely Death, built a stark and desolate atmosphere through a chilling rhythm section. Michael Colon intensified this mood by layering in icy synths, which amplified the sense of isolation that permeated the track. Their combined effort created an audio landscape that felt hauntingly detached, yet powerfully immersive.
“The concept for this song started during the pandemic when the world was in a state of chaos,” says the artist. “During those sessions, I was watching a lot of documentaries about cults. I’d also recently rewatched 28 Days Later. Myself exploring those feelings of isolation and trying to find meaningful human connection.”
Directed by Texas horror maestro Jeremy Sumrall, the video for Milieu unravels within the dilapidated bones of an abandoned paper mill. Lead actor Bryan Enright (of Hideout, Camera X, and Mare of Easttown fame) plunged headfirst into the role, erasing the boundary between performance and descent. Chasing life’s fleeting meaning, he finds himself in the grip of a cult, assuming the throne like a mad monarch lost in a fractured fable. The unsettling transformation echoes through the scene, turning each moment into a raw study of obsession and collapse.
Watch the video for “Milieu” below:
The Russian White’s latest release, Funeral Art, arrives with a fiery intensity under the banner of Distortion Productions. Tim Heireth of Silver Walks brings a blistering mix. The album’s final touch is lent by Eric Broyhill, whose mastering finesse (known from work with Deftones and Crosses) adds a crisp, cutting-edge polish to the tracks.
“I feel like this is our most pure album, where Mike and I didn’t have to make any compromises,” says vocalist Tom Rhymer. “We have a good mix of club bangers and cinematic and emotional tracks here.”
Funeral Art is out now via Distortion Productions through all digital and streaming platforms along with a vinyl and CD edition.
Listen to the song below and order here.
You can catch The Russian White on tour with label mates Solemn Shapes this fall.
Tour dates:
- 10/10 Rochester, NY @ Bar Bad Ending
- 10/11 Pittsburgh, PA @ Cattivo
- 10/12 Youngstown, OH @ Westside Bowl
- 10/13 Chicago, IL @ Fallen Log
- 10/15 Iowa City, IA @ Gabes
- 10/16 Madison, WI @ Crucible
- 10/17 St. Louis, MO – @ Mosh Mellow
- 10/18 Cincinnati, OH @ Oddfellows (No Shapes)
- 1018 Bloomington, IN @ Gallow Dance (No TRW)
- 10/19 Indianapolis, IN @ Longshot (No TRW)
- 10/20 Memphis, TN @ Growlers
- 10/22 Dallas, TX @ Renos
- 10/23 San Antonio, TX @ The Mix
- 10/24 Houston, TX @ Black Magic Social Club
- 10/25 New Orleans, LA @ Dark City Fest
- 10/26 New Orleans, LA @ Dark City Fest
- 10/27 Atlanta, GA @ Boggs
- 10/28 Charlotte, NC @ Milestone
- 10/30 Lancaster, PA @ Little Mutants (No Shapes)
- 11/10 Millersville, PA @ Phantom Power (No Shapes)
Follow The Russian White:
Or via: