New Zealand’s electronic rock band, Robots in Love, is getting the word out with a sound that blurs the lines between genres. Their latest single, The Sequel, featured on the Progotronics 47 compilation, showcases the band’s knack for combining diverse musical elements into something unique. A mix of EBM basslines, metal riffs, and dystopian themes, the track encapsulates the band’s dynamic and evolving creative process.
“The song took on a life of its own as we each added parts,” explains Elenor Rayner, the band’s songwriter, producer, and vocalist. Initially conceived as a deceptively sweet electronic track, it gained a heavier edge after guitarist Mik Thornley added a riff during live shows in Melbourne. Inspired by a Bring Me The Horizon concert, drummer Alex Burchell (drums) reworked Mik’s riff into a full guitar arrangement. “He smashed it, so that version became the single,” Elenor adds.
This collaborative energy is at the heart of Robots in Love. With members rooted in diverse genres—goth-industrial, progressive metal, and drum’n’bass—their music thrives on contrasts. “The main thing we focus on is dynamics,” Elenor explains. “Our songs switch between delicate, atmospheric parts and enormous heavy sections. It’s satisfying in recordings and exhilarating live.”
Based in Dunedin, a city with a thriving music scene, the band finds inspiration in its collaborative environment. “Dunedin is full of musicians, and we all jam with each other,” Rayner shares. “When we first played together, it just clicked. Within a couple of weeks, we were performing live shows.” The support of local audiences has fueled their momentum, with weekly performances helping them hone their distinctive sound.
Known for surprising audiences, Robots in Love tailors their live sets to match the crowd’s energy. Whether it’s an EBM remix of Unbreakable for industrial fans or a drum’n’bass rendition of Alien Love at a cyberpunk event, their adaptability keeps listeners engaged. “Cyberpunk events are usually 110 BPM, but we played Alien Love at 170 BPM. The crowd seemed stunned watching Alex combine electronic and acoustic kits, but they liked it—we were asked back!”
The Sequel continues the band’s exploration of Orwellian and dystopian themes. “I love sci-fi and the way it uses stories to amplify a message,” says Elenor. “Our name, Robots in Love, reflects how we use technology to express human emotion.” This DIY ethos extends beyond their music. The band handles mixing, mastering, visuals, and videos in-house. “Being hands-on means everything sounds and looks the way we want it,” she explains.
Their visual identity plays a significant role, with over 120,000 YouTube views. “We usually start with a rough idea, and I refine it during editing,” Elenor says. Alex contributes graphics for live shows, while bassist Tony Lumsden brings expertise in lighting. Their synergy allows them to create striking visuals that complement their music.
Remixes further expand their creative reach. Alex’s Techno-Logique remix of The Sequel exemplifies their experimental spirit. “It’s one of my favorite remixes,” Elenor notes. “We produce remixes for the joy of it, but they’re also great for live sets.” This versatility has bolstered their reputation, leading to standout moments like performing at a Gasworks museum alongside sword forgers—a “metal” experience in every sense.
Looking ahead, Robots in Love is gearing up for their next single, Crush, described as a “metal-trance epic” with a symphonic remix by Alex. An album is also on the horizon, promising to further fuse genres while retaining the band’s unique identity. Plans for international tours, including a return to Australia and a potential European debut, are also in motion.
For first-time listeners, Elenor has a simple wish: “We love it when people headbang to The Sequel. It’s great when they enjoy how the parts fit together, but the headbanging—that’s the best.”
As Robots in Love continues to break confines, The Sequel is a powerful entry point into their ever-evolving soundscape, a fusion of human emotion and cutting-edge technology.
For more about Robots in Love visit their website; for music check them out on Bandcamp. Stay in touch by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
