8/10

There’s something undeniably thrilling about hearing a band step into their full potential, and with their sophomore effort 'Northern Lights', Glasgow duo der Mist do exactly that. This is a record that expands their earlier work, stretching their sound into something more immersive, more dynamic, and ultimately more compelling.

From the opening moments, analogue synth grooves ripple beneath the surface, steady and hypnotic, while live-feel drums push everything forward with a quiet urgency. It’s a foundation that recalls the wider Krautrock lineage, but here, der Mist inject it with something far more emotive. The guitars cut through with intent, searing and expressive, grounding the electronic textures in something raw and human.

There’s a precision to the production that feels carefully considered, yet nothing sounds overworked. Tracks unfold naturally, building atmosphere through repetition and subtle shifts rather than obvious peaks. It’s a confident approach that trusts us to settle into its rhythm and stay there.

At the heart of the record is a clear creative synergy between Craig McKissick and Ali Whitty. The production leans into depth and detail, while the basslines and understated vocal layers provide a sense of cohesion that keeps everything anchored. Together, they create a sound that feels expansive and cinematic, but never detached.

In a landscape where genre lines often feel rigid, der Mist operate just outside them, pulling from indie-rock, electronic, and post-punk without ever settling into one. And with this new collection, that approach feels fully realised, delivering a listening experience that is glowing, pulsing, and quietly captivating from start to finish.