Review: The Lost Conformist

The Lost Conformist – Dark Charm (EP)

Edinburgh’s The Lost Conformist deliver a darkly intoxicating listen with Dark Charm — an EP that threads together new wave melancholy, goth rock atmosphere and gritty post-punk swagger. It’s moody, cinematic and utterly captivating.

Opening track “Lost in Two Minds” drifts in like a hazy dream. The vocal — delivered in an almost Jim Morrison-esque narrative tone — perfectly matches the slow, floating arrangement. As the song builds, the tension swells beautifully; layers of sound twist and rise until they reach a soaring release. The band show incredible control here — using space as an instrument, letting the track breathe in a way few modern bands dare to.

“Smiling Face” takes a different turn — jagged, off-beat and swaggering with attitude. The bass-heavy riff drives the song forward, setting the tone for an explosive verse. The vocal performance is outstanding — not just leading the band but acting as a fourth instrument, blending and battling with the guitars. There’s a touch of John Lydon (PIL-era) grit in the delivery, adding to the track’s chaotic brilliance. You can easily picture this one tearing the roof off live.

Then comes “Being Free”, a haunting slow-burner that creeps in with minimalism and poise. A lonely guitar line echoes through the mix as the song unfolds — sparse, yet somehow full. It’s the kind of track that feels timeless — like The Doors reborn in 2025 Edinburgh — hypnotic, raw and deeply emotional.

Finally, “Empty Streets” closes the EP with a more straight-ahead approach but still packed with character. You can hear traces of Morrison, Bowie and Nick Cave, all filtered through The Lost Conformist’s distinct lens. The guitars soar, the solo work is stunning and beneath it all runs that signature undercurrent of controlled chaos.

Dark Charm is a rare gem — dark yet addictive, chaotic yet deliberate, a beautiful contradiction at every turn. The Lost Conformist don’t just defy conformity — they’ve completely lost it (and we’re all better for it).

For fans of music with a dark soul

Find the EP on Spotify and all good streaming platforms