Rituals of Mine Release Haunting Single “Burst”

Somewhat enigmatic and without a doubt striking, Los Angeles based duo Rituals of Mine release a haunting new video for “Burst,” which acts as a vulnerable presentation of singer— and rapper— Terra Lopez’s past traumas.

Percussionist Adam Pierce and Lopez make up Rituals of Mine, and the two create a distinctive sound by combining classic elements of electronic beats and R&B. The combination paired with distinguishing percussion equals a consistently intense perspective.

“Burst” fits the bill for their sound, but the track is different than past releases with a newfound openness. Lopez describes this in detail, explaining, “This new material is very direct and focused on what I want to express with things I’ve held in for so long. It’s finally me addressing all of that trauma because I finally had the space to do so.” After a tremendously difficult year following the suicide of her father and sudden death of a close friend, Lopez says she decided it was time to address these hardships in her life through her music.

As a queer woman of color, Lopez also wanted to have a space for similar people to express themselves. The video was made through the efforts of a primarily female, queer, and trans crew. It not only showcases Lopez’s personal traumas, but communicates a certain collective thread shared by her creative team.

Other notable releases include “Devoted,” a raw, emotional roller coaster of a song. Lopez’s strained singing and pained chaotic energy tears through all barriers of self-consciousness while Pierce incorporates a trap-esque beat. “Ride or Die” is similarly heavy and serious, though more dreamlike and slow. A common theme in the band’s music is darkness and severity while at the same time sounding beautiful.

“Burst” comes as a single from forthcoming album Sleeper Hold, out on October 4th through Carpark Records. Rituals of Mine will also embark on a North American tour to promote the album. Though they have established a signature sound, Sleeper Hold will shed light into Lopez’s world in a way none of the band’s music has done before.

Lopez says of the band’s upcoming music, “I made a promise to myself that I'm no longer going to play small or hide behind metaphors, that I'm going to really lean into self-confidence, self-reliance and take up space. ‘Burst’ is the beginning of that.”

Be sure to pick up Sleeper Hold on October 4th and preorder the new album here.

Tour Dates

Sat. Aug. 31 - Tuscon, AZ | HOCO Fest (DJ Set)

Fri. Sept. 6 - Elizabethtown, NY | Otis Mountain Get Down

Sat. Sept. 7 - Brooklyn, NY | Elsewhere

Thu. Sept. 26 - Boise, ID | The Olympic

Fri. Sept. 27 - Portland, OR | Polaris Hall

Sat. Sept. 28 - Everett, WA | Scuttlebutt Taproom

Sun. Sept. 29 - Seattle, WA | Chop Suey

Sat. Oct. 5 - Sacramento, CA | Harlow’s

Fri. Nov. 15 - Seattle, WA | Freakout Festival