The Haptics: Electro-Rock Innovators

The Haptics are an American electro-rock band known for merging visceral rock energy with intricate electronic production. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, the group achieved mainstream recognition with their 2018 sophomore album, Neon Circuits, which debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned a certified Gold single.

Early career

The Haptics formed in 2012 around the core duo of vocalist/guitarist Leo Vance and producer-keyboardist Mara Chen. Their early sound was a gritty, DIY fusion of indie rock and synth-pop, honed through a series of self-released EPs. Their 2014 debut EP, Static Pulse, caught the attention of independent label Circuit Breaker Records, which signed the band the following year.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their first major-label album, Neon Circuits, on Mercury Records. The lead single, "Wired for Silence", became a crossover hit, reaching the top 10 on both the Alternative Airplay and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts, ultimately earning a RIAA Gold certification for over 500,000 units sold.

Key tracks

Wired for Silence — This Gold-certified single defined their signature sound and broke them onto commercial radio.

Feedback Loop — A fan-favorite album track showcasing their complex, layered production and driving rhythms.

Neon Ghosts — The opening track from their breakthrough album that perfectly sets the album's thematic and sonic tone.

Tremor — A later collaboration with electronic artist KLO that expanded their reach into dance music circles.

Following Neon Circuits, The Haptics headlined a major North American tour and began work on their third album. Their 2022 follow-up, Resonant Frequency, saw them experimenting with darker textures and more ambitious song structures, debuting at number 8 on the Billboard 200. They have since collaborated with artists like producer Mike Elizondo and contributed a track to the soundtrack for the video game Cyberdrive 2077.

Fans of The Haptics' dynamic electro-rock blend often appreciate the work of similar artists. Metric shares a similar balance of anthemic rock and sleek synth-pop. Nine Inch Nails is a clear influence in their industrial-tinged production and tense atmospherics. The dance-punk energy of The Bravery also finds a parallel in The Haptics' earlier work. For a more modern take on synth-rock, The Chain Smokers Of Human Fortune explores comparable sonic territory with a psychedelic edge.

The Haptics' music maintains a strong presence on modern rock and alternative radio stations. Their hits are staples on alternative rock radio stations, while their deeper album cuts frequently appear on specialized online rock radio streams focusing on electronic fusion and indie innovation. Independent music radio stations also champion their earlier, grittier material.

Listeners can discover the powerful electro-rock of The Haptics by tuning into the radio stations featured on our website. Their catalog, from early EPs to latest albums, is regularly played across the classic rock FM stations, alternative rock radio stations, and online rock radio streams available on onairium.com.