Trauma Glow’s latest single, “Ornaments,” feels like a conversation with yourself—fragmented, scattered, and eerily familiar. It mirrors the chaos of daily life, using words like defenses and demands, shifting from one space to the next as if time itself is disjointed. The Vienna-based band digs deep into the psychological with this track, turning what could be mundane into something unsettling yet decorative, just like the title suggests.
The guitars refuse to let go, constant and dissonant, while the drums break the mold, slashing the hi-hat in rhythmic violence.
It’s a sound that brings together breakgaze, shoegaze, and grunge, with layers of post-apocalyptic moods and a sense of unresolved conflict.
The intention here isn’t to offer comfort but to reflect the broken promises of modernity, where things that should make sense just don’t. The lyrics add to this, offering a self-conversation that feels at once disconnected and brutally honest—”It’s easier to talk when you’re not around,” they sing, leaving you wondering whether this dialogue is a reflection of failed relationships or a deeper existential realization.
“Ornaments” also lays the groundwork for their upcoming album, Irrlicht, a title referencing the elusive, ghostly light that is almost within reach but never fully grasped.
The visual aspect comes from Philadelphia-based artist Damien Cindy, whose chaotic, hand-drawn “eye” represents this theme of uncertainty and deceptive clarity. Trauma Glow’s collaboration with Cindy adds yet another layer of complexity to their work—one that feels like the doodles you made in school but never quite understood. There’s something almost banal about it, yet it holds a mystique that leaves you questioning everything.
The band’s musical identity is evolving, fusing European and American shoegaze influences, blending atmospheric tension with the grit of Vienna’s underground. Zac Montez of Time Well Recordings (Chicago) once again handled mixing and mastering, solidifying the band’s signature sound. As they gear up for a European tour this fall and an Eastern US tour next year, Trauma Glow is on the verge of carving out a space where chaos meets beauty.
But there’s more to Vienna’s DIY scene than just Trauma Glow. The band names a list of influential under-the-radar Austrian acts that deserve a listen. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 you need to know about:
VA FA NAPOLI (Vienna)
It’s all about that nostalgic emo-punk vibe. you have to see va fa napoli live. the 4 different vocals in combination with the sophisticated riffs create an incredible energy. every song is an anthem
FAV: Cold Coffee
HASE (Graz/Vienna)
So important for the Austrian DIY Punk Scene: the trio playing that vegan/straight edge hardcore punk.
their new EP is called “14 songs”. also: if you got the chance to see them live. do it.
FAV: Frustration
LEBER (Linz)
Leber is THE feminist punk band from austria.
we totally love them and hope to play a show together one day
FAV: Toxisch
SAKURA (Vienna)
Vienna´s shoegaze queen. would be awesome to do something together in the future.
FAV: skin
LAUNDROMAT CHICKS (Vienna)
We saw them live for the first time when they opened the evening for hotline tnt. perfect jangly dream pop.
FAV: Lets do this
HYPERDOG (Linz)
Woof woof. they are playing an australian tour soon and their egg punk is one of the coolest things out there right now. also so kind people, totally love them.
FAV: Mono Blue
BICYLE TERROR (Klagenfurt / Vienna)
One of the most influential and important DIY Bands in Austria. they’ve been around for over a decade and their live shows this year have been the wildest.
FAV: Aus Wasser
COMBAT BEACH (Vienna)
Combat Beach has always surprised us anew. you never know if they are playing as a full band or moritz solo. either way one of the most important pillars of the viennese diy scene
FAV: you cant just buy me a guitar every time you screw up
MONOKAY (Vienna)
Shout out to the two step kings. the homies rock completely and if you don’t know the guys, you don’t know the scene. all legends and chillers.
FAV: Rewired
SICARIA (Vienna)
Sicaria always with the hardest set of the evening. their demo tape is finally on bandcamp. One of Viennas best people. support them.
FAV: Brutal Youth
CURB (Vienna)
Vienna’s Title Fight. You dont have to say any more.
FAV: Pass my Time
KidLol Korey (Klagenfurt/Vienna)
One of the nicest people on this planet. write to him and tell him to finally record the new songs. album of the year is coming
FAV: face the fog
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