Aruba’s activemirror deliver a sharp, charismatic take on post-punk, blending the brooding intensity of Joy Division with the modern edge of Interpol. Following their self-released debut Though The Night Is Not Over, the band made a standout impression at The New Colossus Festival, even prompting a repeat watch.

In our conversation, the band reflects on music as a vital outlet for expression, a fluid and inspiration-driven songwriting process, and a live approach that prioritizes energy, experimentation, and reinvention over replication.

Our favorite NYC-based independent music festival is back for its seventh edition. The New Colossus Festival kicks off tomorrow and our guide to this year’s must-see acts is here! Our list includes 20 artists to catch at the festival. These acts range from Swedish shoegaze to Mexican psychedelic and Canadian minimal synth. See you out there!