Tiny Megnetic Pets – Astralux EP
Tiny Magnetic Pets return with Astralux, an electronic release that goes deeper into different elements of dance music, including ambient synth-pop, retro club sounds, acid house, and techno. Based in Dublin and Belfast, the trio creates a sound that is deeply connected to the electronic legacy of the 1980s and 1990s while benefiting from modern production techniques. The ‘Astralux’ EP also includes two remixes of ‘Low Places’, which was released on the band’s 2025 ‘Harmonious Grey’ EP. For this, the trio collaborated with pioneering producer and DJ Paul Dakeyne, whose innovative work has shaped electronic dance music for over 30 years.
1. Lost My Guiding Light (Again): The EP begins with slow synth pads that instantly create a futuristic and atmospheric vibe. Around 0:53, a dance beat enters the mix, changing the track’s personality, while the synths grow louder, providing dreamy parts characteristic of Depeche Mode. The use of panning effects enhances the arrangement by producing a dreamy vibe as the sounds move around the stereo space. Paula Gilmer’s ethereal female vocals mix perfectly with the electronic soundscape, and the addition of male vocals during the chorus adds an interesting contrast and makes the music feel even more broad. The lyrics address the experience of losing one’s sense of direction and finding a guiding light, which fits the dreamy and sometimes melancholy atmosphere. This dreamy electro track is ideal for those moments when you just want to “disappear” into the music.
2. Low Places (Dakeyne Remix): “Low Places” offers a completely different approach, beginning with groovy percussion and classic 1980s electronic bass sounds. The track almost takes you to a party circa 1985. The female vocals give the song a playful and romantic vibe, while the mix of dance rhythms and hypnotic grooves keeps it moving. As the acid-inspired synths become more powerful, the production takes on a futuristic vision of late-1980s dance music, with proto-techno and acid-house inspirations becoming more obvious. The synths finally take control of the arrangement and push the music forward, resulting in a beautifully nostalgic dance mood. The lyrics’ harsh comments about untrustworthy friendships and those who appear to care add a deeper meaning to the song. The more serious subject matter is cleverly contrasted with the invitation to “get wrecked at the discotheque,” which turns irritation into something amusing and enjoyable to dance.
3. Low Places (Dakeyne Acid Dub): The Acid Dub version goes deeper into club area. A deep beat creates a mood from the beginning, with house-style rhythms and acid synths progressively entering the mix. Unlike the previous version, the low-end groove drives the arrangement, giving the song a stronger and more physical vibe. Additional techno and vocal samples add movement, while acid soundscapes provide a hypnotic quality that makes this version ideal for a late-night dancefloor. It is less concerned with traditional song structure and instead focuses on producing a continuous electronic groove.
Overall, Astralux is a fascinating journey across many generations of electronic music. Tiny Magnetic Pets’ understanding of atmosphere and rhythm is outstanding, from the dreamy synth-pop of “Lost My Guiding Light (Again)” to the groovy retro-club nature of the Dakeyne remix and the deeper acid-house approach of the Acid Dub. The EP manages to appear nostalgic without just recreating the past, using vintage electronic influences as building blocks for a modern sound.
photo by Conor Kerr
https://tinymagneticpets.bandcamp.com
