Trip the light

Kyoto-based developer Q-Games may be best known for its work on the PixelJunk franchise, but the studio has been quietly expanding its portfolio into rock and roll over the past couple of months. Designed as a distraction to keep morale high during hectic coding sessions, the studio has formed a trip-hop supergroup known as The Electric Bends.

Fronted by founder Dylan Cuthbert and Lumines: Electronic Symphony producer James Mielke, the team’s lunchtime activity has already prompted the production of three full-length albums – the latest of which, Plastic Fantastic, released last week.

The band describes the record as a blend of progressive rock, synth pop, and trip-hop. Imagine Air’s Moon Safari being covered by Brian Eno in Massive Attack’s basement, and you should get the idea. You can purchase the record – and The Electric Bends’ growing back catalogue – from Bandcamp, iTunes, and Amazon. Any profits will be put towards the purchase of a drum kit, apparently.

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