In the ever-evolving landscape of music and animation, X-RL7 emerges as a formidable fictional band that leaves an indelible mark. Conceived by the ingenious musician and animator Mike Evans, X-RL7 represents not only a musical endeavor but an entire animated web series that immerses audiences in a neon-drenched cyberpunk world teeming with trials, tribulations, and sensational tunes.
The latest offering from X-RL7, their single “Information,” is a dynamic collaboration with Imperative Reaction that delivers a dose of dark electronic rock and synthwave vibes, drawing inspiration from musical legends such as Linkin Park and Nine Inch Nails. While the web series maintains a cheeky attitude, the single “Information” stands tall as a robust and gritty industrial-electronic track.
Enhancing this electrifying track is a captivating lyric video that perfectly encapsulates the style and essence of the X-RL7 series. Crafted in a pixel art style reminiscent of classic point-and-click video games but elevated with higher fidelity lights and colors, this video is a visual feast that will undoubtedly resonate with fans of retro gaming aesthetics.
The animated web series X-RL7 seamlessly fuses the realms of cyberpunk and electronic rock as it chronicles the escapades of the fictional band ‘X-RL7,’ on their quest to conquer the music industry. Setting itself apart with retro-gaming-inspired animation and a roster of real-world musician guest stars, X-RL7 has swiftly ascended to cult status within the online and electronic-rock communities.
Each episode of X-RL7, with a runtime of approximately 5-10 minutes, unfolds the band’s adventures as they navigate the music industry, navigate their social lives, and immerse themselves in their vibrant cyberpunk surroundings. What sets it apart further is that each episode features an integral music video that plays a pivotal role in the storyline. Musically inspired by electronic, rock, and metal influences, including Celldweller, Linkin Park, and Nine Inch Nails, the show’s music has garnered widespread acclaim beyond the series itself. X-RL7’s Spotify boasts nearly 14k monthly listeners, and it has received favorable reviews from publications such as Metal Injection, Regen Mag, and the WH Times.
X-RL7 isn’t merely about the animated band; it boasts real-world artists lending their voices and musical talents. This roster includes Andy Cizek (Monuments), Daniel Graves (Aesthetic Perfection), Blue Stahli, Craig Owens (Chiodos/DRUGS), Jimmy Urine (Mindless Self Indulgence), and many others. The series delves into themes that resonate globally, exploring the impact of social media, the elevation of fabricated celebrity personas, and the ongoing battle between censorship and free speech.
The brainchild of musician and animator Mike Evans, X-RL7 originally took shape as a point-and-click adventure game before evolving into the web series we know today. “Work on the project began in late 2018, and after discreetly tinkering with pixels and beats, it finally went live in July 2020,” says Evans. Collaborating with a plethora of exceptional musical artists within X-RL7 has been an incredible journey, validating Evans as a songwriter. Cultivating a vibrant community of like-minded viewers and musicians through the project has been equally humbling and rewarding.
As X-RL7 and Imperative Reaction’s “Information” electrify the airwaves, it’s abundantly clear that this fictional band, rooted in a neon-soaked cyberpunk world, is making an impactful mark at the intersection of music and animation. As their story continues to unfold, fans, both new and old, eagerly await the next chapter of X-RL7’s thrilling adventure in sound and vision.
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