Soulwax’s Ambitious Return: Will 'All Systems Are Lying' Hit the Right Notes?

Soulwax, the Belgian duo comprising the prolific Dewaele brothers, returns with "All Systems Are Lying," an album that marks their first studio release in seven years. With its debut set for October 17th via DEEWEE/Because Music, this album emerges as a much-anticipated reminder of the duo's reputation for groundbreaking creativity.

In a bold move, Soulwax presents what they ambitiously describe as "a rock album made without electric guitars." Crafted using modular synthesizers, tape machines, live drums, and processed vocals, they aim to capture the raw energy of a live performance. Yet, as with any ambitious artistic venture, the line between innovation and self-indulgence can blur. Here, Soulwax flirts with that precipice, daring their audience to redefine their expectations of what constitutes rock music.

Listeners have been offered a taste of the duo's experimental direction through the double A-side single featuring "All Systems Are Lying" and "Run Free." These tracks serve as an appetizer to the full album experience, which promises a sonic journey through unconventional soundscapes. But whether this avant-garde approach reinvigorates the essence of rock or veers into unnecessary abstraction remains to be seen.

Having already previewed their new material at various headline shows and festivals in 2025, including Turin’s Kappa Futur and Rock Werchter in Belgium, there’s no denying that Soulwax has generated significant buzz. This summer, they plan to continue their live assault with gigs scheduled at London’s Junction 2 on July 7th and Lokerse Feesten in Brussels on August 2nd. For fans eager to experience the new album live, these performances are not to be missed. However, one might wonder if they will deliver the electrifying essence they promise or simply a danceable experiment that leaves traditionalists wanting.

"All Systems Are Lying" is poised to deliver a tracklist as eclectic as the duo's creative ambition, from "Pills And People Gone" to "Distant Symphony." Each track is anticipated to push the boundaries of genre; however, the real challenge for Soulwax will be maintaining the listener's engagement across the album's entirety. There's a fine line between artistic genius and self-indulgence, and Soulwax’s latest effort will undoubtedly test this boundary.

As the album's release approaches, "All Systems Are Lying" stands as a testament to Soulwax’s relentless pursuit of musical evolution. Whether this endeavor will mark a new dawn in electronic experimentation or simply a curious footnote in their storied career is a question only time, and perhaps a bit more controlled restraint, will answer. In the ever-evolving landscape of music, sometimes the boldest move is not what you add, but what you choose to leave out.