Back in 2025, Irish synth poppers Tiny Magnetic Pets released ‘Harmonious Grey’, a four track EP that combined some strong songwriting chops with some very familiar sounding 80s and 90s inspired sounds. The lead track, ‘Low Places’ mixed the band’s poppier instincts with a slightly sinister, low sounding synth riff that created a hook that worked even more directly than any of the band’s lyrics.
A year on, they sound even better. ‘Lost My Guiding Light (Again)’ showcases the band’s more commercial side. By using a looped riff that falls somewhere between classic Giorgio Moroder, the sounds of Vince Clarke and early New Order, the band set something ear-catching in place with immediate effect. On a musical level, it outshines everything on ‘Harmonious Grey’ (great as that was), but its the way that’s used against more human elements that really boosts the track. Despite being challenged by a spiky rhythm, vocalist Paula Gilmer opts for a light, flowing performance, more in tune with great dream pop and the twee sounds of the legendary Saint Etienne. Although this, arguably, leads to something more “radio-friendly”, Paula has never sounded better, and this stylistic choice creates something rather beautiful in pop terms. It’s certainly vital shift for the band when it comes to selling a superb pop chorus that’s guaranteed to stick. This is an absolutely wonderful track.
Filling the rest of the ‘Astralux’ EP, the band look back to ‘Harmonious Grey’ for inspiration, and present two very different sounding remixes of ‘Low Places’, courtesy of Ministry of Sound DJ Paul Dakeyne. The first, subtitled ‘Darkeyne Mix’, presents a very busy drum loop and bass heavy groove, and occasionally cuts up the vocal for repetitive hooks. There are plenty of moments where Dakeyne’s busy hand clouds Gilmer’s more melodic tones, but there’s still merit in the result, particularly when the vocal falls away to reveal even more of a danceable groove and extra synth sounds. Although quite removed from the source material, this will appeal to those who want to revisit a late 90s Ministry sound. The ‘Darkeyne Acid Dub’ works even more effectively as a stand alone piece, since its stripped almost entirely of vocals and concentrates instead on a wobbly bass riff set against punching rhythms, working something that plays like a cross between a Ministry of Sound deep cut and the works of Meat Beat Manifesto. Fans might question how valid this is in relation to the Tiny Magnetic Pets catalogue, but much like the David Holmes and Sabres of Paradise remixes of Therapy? tracks back in the 90s, this works best if approached as a new work in its own right.
It might be fair to say that the remix element of this release isn’t necessarily going to appeal to everyone seeking out a new work from Tiny Magnetic Pets. Also, it could be argued that the three track release doesn’t give fans quite enough really get their ears around. However, the lead track is so strong, ‘Astralux’ is certainly worth the small price of a download for that alone. ‘Lost My Guiding Light (Again)’ is easily the best track to emerge from the Pets’ camp within the past decade.
August 2026