Add to playlist: the nervy breakbeats and acid delirium of Silverwingkiller and the week’s best new tracks
Salford duo Silverwingkiller are featured in the Guardian's weekly new music playlist column for their pummelling industrial dance sound, blending nervy breakbeats, acid-house synth textures and themes of paranoia and violence. Formed in 2024 by James Baca (from Peterborough) and Yushang Ni (from Shanghai), the pair have carved out a distinctive niche through DIY releases and intense live shows, and their music is highlighted alongside a wider round-up of standout new tracks from artists including Leon Bridges and Beck.
The band, named after the Chinese title for Blade Runner, release music via their own label, 1000% Triad Funded, with June's single "Gunman Corner" and its B-side "Shang Film" singled out as recent highlights. Ni sings in English, Mandarin and Shanghainese, while Baca performs live drums; the duo have described their own sound as music "you would buy from the dark web". The column also rounds up other new tracks of the week, including Leon Bridges' "Tears of Joy", Beck's "In the Night", Sweeping Promises' "Accent" and Jake Xerxes Fussell's "Rock Island Line".
In short
- Guardian spotlights Salford duo Silverwingkiller's industrial dance sound
- Formed 2024, blend breakbeats, acid synths and violent themes
- Column also lists other standout new tracks, including from Beck and Leon Bridges
Explained simply
Silverwingkiller is a musical duo formed in 2024 in Salford by James Baca from Peterborough and Yushang Ni from Shanghai. They make industrial dance music combining breakbeats with acid-house synthesiser textures that explore themes of paranoia and violence. Ni sings in English, Mandarin and Shanghainese whilst Baca performs live drums.
The band have been featured in the Guardian's weekly new music column. They release their music independently through their own label, "1000% Triad Funded," taking a DIY approach to their work.
Silverwingkiller takes its name from the Chinese title of the science-fiction film Blade Runner. The pair describe their sound as music "you would buy from the dark web," referencing its underground and darker aesthetic. Recent releases include the singles "Gunman Corner" and "Shang Film."
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