Imitation or Archetype? Mimicry or Mandela Effect? Harsh Symmetry, the darkwave project of musician Julian Sharwarko, is gearing up to launch its sophomore album titled Imitation. Recently relocated from Sacramento to Los Angeles, Sharwarko has crafted an album that seamlessly blends the nostalgic elements of influential bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and New Order, with the modern sounds of contemporary acts such as Twin Tribes and Boy Harsher. The forthcoming nine-song LP is set to be released via Fabrika Records, a label renowned for its roster of influential darkwave and post-punk artists. The album title Imitation is reflective of Julian Sharwarko's introspective exploration of his own musical identity amidst constant comparisons to these influences. It poses a question about the nature of his work - is Harsh Symmetry an imitation of the past, or an archetype for the future, creating something so familiar yet so new that it feels as if it existed long before its manifestation? Despite these existential questions, Imitation is a modern album steeped in nostalgia, entirely recorded and performed by Sharwarko himself. The album features the phenomenal lead single, Glass Tears, a song that guides listeners through an icy, dystopian realm. Another standout track, Make Up Artist, presents a fascinating equilibrium, propelling forward with a lively tempo while maintaining a reflective atmosphere. The album also features a cover of Madonna's Open Your Heart, reinterpreted through a hauntingly mysterious lens. Scalpel stands out with its vibrant metallic bassline and psychedelic aura, while Crystal Smile transitions into a dreamy vocal performance atop a distinctly 80s synth pad. The album closes with its formidable title track, Imitation, a discordant piece that vibrates with an eclectic mix of city-pop elegance and a motorik beat inspired by krautrock.Harsh Symmetry's second studio album, Imitation, is set to be released on end of September.
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Mulatu Astatke Mulatu Plays Mulatu
Strut
September 26, 2025 -
Borracho Ouroboros
Ripple Music
August 8, 2025 -
Vindicator Communal Decay
Nltm Records
August 22, 2025 -
Vernon Reid Hoodoo Telemetry
Players Club
October 3, 2025 -
Arjen Anthony Lucassen Songs No One Will Hear [2xLP]
Inside Out Music
September 12, 2025 -
Kenny Burrell Kenny Burrell (Original Jazz Classics Series)
Craft Recordings
August 22, 2025 -
Verses GT Verses GT (Clear)
Luckyme
October 17, 2025 -
Cave In The Sacrifice Poles
Relapse
August 15, 2025 -
Craig David Commitment [2xLP]
Believe Recordings
August 8, 2025 -
Teyana Taylor Escape Room (Translucent Light Blue) [2xLP]
Def Jam
August 22, 2025 -
Eve Adams American Dust
Basin Rock
September 5, 2025 -
Amorphis Borderland [2xLP]
Reigning Phoenix Music America, LLC
September 26, 2025 -
Ashes of Ares New Messiahs
Roar
August 8, 2025 -
Phil Manzanera & Andy Mackay AM PM Soho Live [2xLP]
Bfd
September 19, 2025