Winter Formal by EM_LEN

"Winter Formal", the first single of 2026 from EM_LEN sees a return its darkwave roots while taking inspiration from early eighties techno / electro jams although sped down to goth tempos. (Curve / Knights of the Turntables / Egyptian Lover / NIN)

With lyrics exploring introversion matched with reversed melancholic samples the track lingers its way into the subconscious of never fitting into the norm no matter how hard one tries.

Counting bodies
No-one knows me
Watch with new eyes
No conforming

Listen closely
You're not like me
Words are poison
Tis, the season

On the dance floor
No-one but me
Try to keep time
My time's deceased

I thought I knew you
I kept it normal
I thought I knew you well
I ran away from the Winter Formal

On the dance floor
No-one but me
Try to keep time
My time's deceased

I thought I knew you
I kept it normal
I thought I knew you well
I ran away from the Winter Formal

Counting bodies
No-one knows me
Watch with new eyes
No conforming

Tracklist

1.	Winter Formal	5:04

Credits

released January 28, 2026

Written, performed and Produced by Mario Ponce (EM_LEN)

EM_LEN:
Synth
Machine
Vocal

Recorded at Hanging Doll in Fallbrook CA
Cover art by PHOTOSTASIS

FUN FACT: The cover art features the same tree as in Ophelia Memorial Gardens, only now dead and weathered. A sign of the times...

License