A New Horizon: The Leaving In Conversation

Why It Matters

The side project shows how established artists can diversify their sound, attracting both CHVRCHES fans and new listeners while reinforcing the market for indie‑electronic crossovers.

Key Takeaways

• Project gives Martin a chance to sing his own lyrics
• Record blends dark‑wave, rave‑tape aesthetics, and Nine Inch Nails influence
• Inspired by body‑horror film The Substance and 2000s electronic clubs
• Martin Doherty, Jonny Scott launch The Leaving, album Ultimate Buzz
• Live shows planned, expanding The Leaving beyond studio release

Pulse Analysis

The music‑industry landscape increasingly rewards artists who spin off side projects, and Martin Doherty’s latest move fits that pattern. After a hiatus between CHVRCHES releases, Doherty teamed with longtime collaborator Jonny Scott in Los Angeles to birth The Leaving, a duo that lets both musicians explore territories outside mainstream synth‑pop. By leveraging the creative downtime that often follows touring cycles, they produced Ultimate Buzz, an album that feels like a hybrid of dark‑wave, industrial grit and the nostalgic rave‑tape vibe of early‑2000s clubs.

Ultimate Buzz’s sonic palette is anchored by influences that range from the body‑horror cult film The Substance to the aggressive electronics of Nine Inch Nails and the club‑ready beats of The Faint. The duo deliberately abandoned CHVRCHES’ polished pop structures, opting instead for four‑to‑the‑floor rhythms, distorted synth riffs and occasional guitar flourishes that echo Placebo’s melancholy. Martin’s decision to handle lead vocals adds a raw, personal dimension, turning the record into a diary of departures, creative frustration and renewed artistic freedom.

From a business perspective, The Leaving’s launch expands Doherty’s brand equity beyond CHVRCHES, opening additional revenue streams through album sales, streaming royalties and forthcoming live performances. The project’s cross‑genre appeal positions it well for festival slots that cater to both indie‑electronic and alternative audiences. As fans gravitate toward authentic, artist‑driven experiences, the duo’s DIY ethos and planned tour dates could translate into stronger fan engagement and a sustainable niche in a crowded market.