_Shoe – “Patterns of Possession”

Let me introduce you to _SHOE and their new album Patterns of Possession. It’s their second full-length and continues the Devisal project, picking up where The Ritual left off. If you’re already familiar with that first release, this one takes the story even further. The focus here isn’t just on the music but also on expanding the world around it.

There are 12 tracks, and the sound moves between dark synthwave, heavier darksynth parts, some bursts of ‘80s-style synthpop, and sudden moments with hard rock guitar. It’s a mix that works really well without feeling messy or random. The details in the sound design stand out. You can hear how much time went into shaping all the little glitches and cinematic textures that tie the tracks together, and a few tracks hit right away, “Shutdown Protocol” sets up this tense, controlled atmosphere that really suits the idea of trying to lock down a digital being. Then there’s “It Takes Control”, told from Frank Desale’s perspective. It digs into that strange space between emotional connection and machine logic, and it gets under your skin in a way that sticks.

“Flickering” is one of the few tracks that lifts the mood for a bit. It has this quick, energetic pulse and brighter tone, like you’re catching your breath before getting pulled back into darker territory. The last track, “The Mission”, pulls everything together without spelling anything out too directly. It keeps the tension going right to the end and leaves you thinking.

If you like synthwave that doesn’t stop at the surface and offers something more layered, Patterns of Possession is worth your time. Definitely check out The Ritual if you missed it, since the two albums are connected in a big way. And follow _SHOE on social media to stay updated, especially if more from the Devisal project is coming.