Italian alternative-industrial trio Noir Addiction return with How She’s Got It, a song built around obsession after the feeling has gone sour, when the mind keeps circling a person, a room, a memory, a colour, a face that has begun to feel borrowed. Led by Sonny Lanegan, with Roberto Catanzaro on drums and Nessie Zorba on keyboards and percussion, the band folds dark rock weight, industrial discipline, and brooding romantic ruin into a track that feels trapped inside its own private fever.
Lanegan’s past in Los Angeles with White Pulp and The Dead Good informs the song’s hard, polished edges, but How She’s Got It belongs to a colder interior world. The track moves with the ache of someone watching love turn abstract in real time. Its electronics grind beneath the surface while the guitars arrive like weather gathering at the edge of a bad decision. The drums keep the song tense and contained, giving it the feel of a locked room where every object has started accusing you.
“How She’s Got It is about that moment when something or someone loses its meaning, but you’re still caught in it,” says Lanegan. “In the song, you’re observing, questioning, maybe even letting go, but at the same time, you’re still drawn to it. That push and pull is what drives the whole track.”
That pull sits right in the chorus, where the repeated phrase becomes less like an expression of desire and more like a failed spell. The lyrics are full of substitutions, missed words, strange doubles, and emotional fatigue. Love appears as projection, as paint, as weight, as something placed on another person until both people disappear beneath it. “It’s not really about a person, it’s about perception,” he clarifies. “How we project meaning onto things, how that meaning shifts, and how sometimes we just stop believing in it. The repetition in the chorus almost feels like trying to convince yourself of something, while knowing deep down it’s already gone.” Lanegan sings as though he is trying to keep his distance from his own wound, measuring every line before it betrays him.
“When we recorded it, the focus wasn’t on impact, it was on distance,” Lanegan explains. “We approached the track almost like a fading memory, something that feels real while you’re inside it but starts to lose definition the more you look at it. The arrangement was intentionally built to feel circular, like you’re stuck in the same thought pattern, going over the same questions without ever getting a clear answer.”
Jack Lucas Laugeni’s video sharpens that unease into visual panic, placing the band in a room that seems to warp around them as sanity thins. Distortion, dread, and diseased glamour nod toward the great ’90s alternative clips where performance felt like possession and every frame looked one bad thought away from disaster.
“We leaned into repetition and subtle shifts instead of big moments,” he admits. “Small changes in texture and slight variations in vocal delivery carry the emotional weight. The idea was to create a sense of emotional drift, where everything feels close but unreachable at the same time. Nothing fully resolves, and that’s intentional. It leaves you in that suspended state the lyrics are coming from.”
Watch the video for How She’s Got It below:
Pretty Things Don’t Lastarrives July 16 via SoulPunx Records, and How She’s Got It makes a persuasive omen: cold to the touch, bruised at the center, and staring straight through the person it cannot stop wanting. Order the single How She’s Got It here.
Noir Addiction will be touring in support of this EP, beginning with two special shows in Prague. Purchase tickets here.
The song opens with an industrial groove that creates a dystopian universe, reminiscent of an arcade game from the 1980s but reimagined for the future. The metallic and edgy textures cut through the atmosphere, establishing a mesmerizing tone. Shortly after, the complete sound emerges, enveloping the listener in its intensity. The influences of Nine Inch Nails blend with aspects of Moby, illustrating a unique merging of styles.
The female vocals hypnotize you with a contagious confidence, exuding an air of royalty that brings a dreamlike quality to the track. This intensity makes the song not only interesting but also engaging. What stands out about their sound is a certain sinister quality. One can envision the imagery akin to Sarah Connor in the film Terminator, gazing at ominous clouds on the horizon that symbolize impending doom.
This composition evokes visions of futures reminiscent of Blade Runner or Mad Max. The music transports listeners, hinting at a future that is intriguing and electrifying. It balances rhythmic beats with a touch of cybernetic rock that keeps the energy flowing.
At around two minutes and fifty-five seconds, the song undergoes a shift, stripping down to create an atmospheric shift. This segment provides an embrace that eases the pressure, building towards the climax. The transition leads to a guillotine-like finale that leaves listeners eager to press the play button once more.
opener – Sound and Atmosphere
MOSS delivers a vivid artistic vision through “opener,” making it a highly recommended piece for anyone seeking an immersive musical experience. The clever construction and energetic delivery signal a promising direction for the band. In summary, “opener” is a masterful fusion of heavy beats and rich rock elements that constructs a compelling narrative full of vivid images and powerful sensations.
This single stands as a significant contribution to the contemporary music landscape, appealing to a wide audience due to its unique blend of genres. The artistry captured in this track makes MOSS a band to watch closely as they continue to evolve their sound.
opener – Performance and Production
One can only imagine where they will go from here, given the innovation present in this single. The intricate layering and the dynamics employed throughout “opener” signal a band that is not only in control of their craft but also unafraid to explore the darkness of the themes they present.
As the final notes play out, one is left reflecting on the experience, eager for what will come next from MOSS. The potential for further exploration of these themes leaves a lasting impression, making this a significant point in their artistic journey.
Unique and refreshing, “opener” holds the promise of more exciting projects ahead for MOSS.
The song begins in an atmospheric manner with pads that create an almost mirage-like quality. There are subtle hints of ancient and even Middle Eastern influences throughout the track. Imagine the figure of Anubis walking through a desert under a moonlit sky; this imagery captures the oracle-like and mystical cybernetic atmosphere of the song. It possesses a hypnotic and avant-garde essence.
Musically, there are distinct vibes reminiscent of bands like Depeche Mode and Radiohead and artists like Cave. These influences intertwine to create a truly unique sound that transports listeners to another dimension, a metaphysical universe that is both hypnotic and immersive. The vocals feature qualities similar to those of Till Lindemann, though they are not as low or baritone. Instead, they carry an oracle-like presence that feels solid and commanding.
This single draws you into a magical yet nocturnal world. It maintains a balance between darkness and intrigue, with the music encouraging listeners to lose themselves in its depth. The hypnotic qualities effectively keep you engaged as the layers unravel. From start to finish, the instrumentation resonates with energy, providing a deeply enriching auditory experience.
Alongside the main single, there is a B-side titled “Skagerrak.” This track showcases the love for Middle Eastern motifs through a purely instrumental journey. It serves as a ritual that transports the listener back in time, offering a reflective space that invites contemplation. Its sound design beautifully complements the themes presented in the primary single.
Rooms to Let – Sound and Atmosphere
Together, these works shape an extraordinary auditory exploration. The transitions between tracks are seamless, offering a cohesive experience that is fresh and engaging. You can feel the artist’s dedication to crafting music that resonates on a deeper level while exploring different genres and cultural influences.
“Rooms to Let” stands as an impressive testament to the creativity and focus of Saline Grace. The melody complements the atmospheric elements, grounding the listener in a rich tapestry of sound. It’s the kind of track that resonates well with fans of alternative and electronic music.
Rooms to Let – Performance and Production
The production quality is top-notch, allowing each element to shine without overshadowing the others. The layering is expertly done, providing a balance between vocals and instrumentations. Every note and rhythm contributes to the overall narrative.
“Rooms to Let” and “Skagerrak” showcase an innovative blend of styles and influences. They take listeners on a journey through introspective landscapes, mystical and modern. The artists have created a remarkable piece that invites exploration and discovery.
These tracks are worthy additions to anyone’s music collection, whether you are a long-time fan or new to their work. I highly recommend immersing yourself in Saline Grace’s “Rooms to Let.” It holds the promise of a remarkable musical journey that is sure to resonate with anyone seeking something extraordinary.
The song begins with a bass line that carries a sly and mysterious tone. This is soon complemented by keyboard notes that create a hazy atmosphere. A guitar interjects with scattered arpeggios, establishing a noir-style ambiance. As the guitar starts to solo, listeners are transported into a universe suspended between New Orleans and Berlin. The innovative approach to soloing brings forth many intricate notes and transitions. These elements are refined and intense, blending progressive and jazz vibes with a forward-looking vision.
The groove remains steady alongside the bass line for approximately two minutes and thirty seconds. After this, the song shifts, introducing passages of drums where the jazz influences become more pronounced. The theme alters slightly as the soloing resumes. These variations symbolize the transitions that denote the evolution of the piece.
Kamila Csenge showcases a remarkable ability to change intention as the song progresses. Her compositional maturity shines throughout this instrumental piece. It is truly magnificent and should be experienced by everyone. The finale features an extraordinary drum solo, encouraging listeners to hit play again.
Music Forever – Sound and Atmosphere
The rich techniques displayed in “Music Forever” highlight the artist’s exceptional talent. Each instrument melds seamlessly, creating a memorable experience. The composition navigates through different emotional territories, making it engaging from start to finish. This song is not just an arrangement; it feels like an exploration of sound and rhythm.
The bass provides a foundation that is both steady and enticing. It serves as the backbone of the composition, allowing other elements to flourish. Keyboard contributions add layers to the mix, contributing to the overall atmosphere. They evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a contemporary edge.
The guitar complements this with solos that defy conventional boundaries. It captures a sense of freedom that is rare in many contemporary musical efforts. Csenge embraces a variety of styles, drawing from her influences to create something exciting.
Music Forever – Performance and Production
The transition in themes suggests a narrative arc, guiding the listener through different phases of emotion. Each section contributes to an overarching journey, making the experience immersive. Csenge’s adept handling of rhythm and melody contrasts with the complexity of the song’s development.
“Music Forever” stands out as a strong showcase of instrumental artistry. Csenge does not shy away from pushing boundaries while remaining accessible. The fine balance between complexity and emotional engagement speaks to her abilities as a composer.
This track definitely deserves a place on the playlists of diverse music lovers. It’s an experience that invokes thought and emotion, making it a worthwhile listen. Kamila Csenge’s “Music Forever” is an invitation to explore the boundaries of sound.
The album begins in a very atmospheric manner with the song “Space, Pt. 1.” It initially evokes a cadence reminiscent of “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M. However, as Hugo Sailer’s voice enters, the mood shifts. Sailer stands as the principal architect of this musical project, drawing inspiration from artists like Nick Cave and Young. His songwriting style is evident throughout. His vocals are often complemented by a female voice, adding a delicate and dreamlike quality to the sound.
Following “Space, Pt. 1,” the album transitions into “Slow Day.” This track offers a more urgent rhythm, showcasing a few alternative nuances that bring to mind the style of Beck. The tempo intensifies, providing a refreshing change of pace. “Dreams,” the next song, carries a more uplifting vibe. Beautiful pads in the background enhance the catchiness of this composition. Its optimistic sound contrasts well with the atmospheres explored earlier.
“Space, Pt. 2” serves as a continuation of the first track. However, it approaches the theme with a more nostalgic and desolate atmosphere. The music conjures images of intense mirages, making it one of the more evocative pieces on the album. This track resonates deeply, establishing a connection with listeners’ emotions through its rich layering of sound.
Another standout on the album is “Sunday Mood.” This song impresses with its intricate rhythm and harmonies. Elements reminiscent of The Beatles appear, yet the arrangement feels more futuristic. The juxtaposition of classic influences with modern touches creates an engaging listening experience.
The album concludes dramatically with “Amoureux.” Sung in French, this track elevates the album’s overall atmosphere to a refined level. It stands out as a fantastic piece, showcasing a different linguistic and musical flair.
Dreams – Sound and Atmosphere
Overall, “Dreams” is a mature and solid album. Each song contributes uniquely to the journey presented. The blend of atmospheric elements with varied rhythms creates a rich tapestry of sound. The interplay between male and female vocals adds further depth to the material.
Books Of Moods has crafted an album that speaks to a range of emotions. From nostalgia to clarity, it captures a spectrum of human experiences. The lyrical content and musical compositions invite listeners to engage fully. With influences that span various genres, the album appeals to a wide audience.
Dreams – Performance and Production
The artistic decisions made throughout “Dreams” reflect a thoughtful approach to music creation. The shifts in tone and mood between tracks highlight the band’s versatility. This makes the album not just a collection of songs but a holistic experience.
Fans of sophisticated and alternative music will find much to appreciate here. Each track has its distinct personality, yet they all work cohesively. It’s a journey worth taking, and one that leaves a lasting impact.
“Dreams” by Books Of Moods is an impressive entry into the contemporary music scene. It showcases the talent of its creators while inviting listeners to share in its explorative nature. I highly recommend this album to anyone seeking fresh, thoughtful music.
Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for my honest review. The Metalverse is an independent website, and all opinions expressed are our own. We thank the team at Fosi Audio for giving us this opportunity. When you purchase through a link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
VST Review Table
Fosi Audio K7
8.9
The Metalverse Score
Pros
Audiophile-grade AKM AK4493SEQ DAC chip
4.4mm balanced headphone output with 2,100mW output
USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth, AND a mic input
Excellent, clean sound signature
On-device tone controls (bass/treble) without needing software
Cons
No LDAC Bluetooth support—stuck with aptX HD as the ceiling
Occasionally, a faint noise floor is audible with very sensitive IEMs
If you've been watching the budget audiophile communities over the past few years, you've definitely seen the name Fosi Audio pop up. Founded in 2017, Fosi Audio has made a name for itself among the new wave of affordable yet excellent audio brands. Their goal: deliver straightforward, well-built, compact gear at affordable prices. They've been putting out power amps, DACs, and headphone amplifiers that consistently punch above their price tag.
The K7 represents something of a new direction for Fosi—it's their most feature-rich and design-forward product yet, and it's clearly aimed at a wider audience than their usual audiophile crowd. Gamers, streamers, and desktop audio enthusiasts are all on the invite list for this one.
What Is the Fosi Audio K7?
The Fosi Audio K7 is a desktop DAC and headphone amplifier priced at $199. The box says "gaming DAC/amp," but that label barely scratches the surface of what's going on inside this thing.
The internal component list reads more like something you'd expect in a $400 product: XMOS XU208 USB controller, AKM AK4493SEQ 32-bit DAC chip, multiple Texas Instruments OPA1612 op-amps, a NJW1119A 3-band tone control IC, a Texas Instruments TPA6120A2 headphone amp IC, and a Qualcomm QCC3031 Bluetooth module. That is a genuinely impressive parts list for the price.
On the connectivity side, the K7 supports PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256 over USB, optical, and coaxial inputs up to 192kHz/24-bit, and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD, aptX LL, AAC, and SBC. For $199, there is a lot going on under the hood.
Build Quality & Design
The K7 makes an impression before you even plug it in. The industrial, angular aluminum chassis is one of my favorite designs I've seen in a DAC, particularly in the silver/white colorway. It's bold and actually reminds me of Star Wars with its futuristic aesthetic. Overall, the build quality is quite excellent.
At roughly 1.5 lbs, the unit feels planted and dense. The thick aluminum panels feel genuinely premium compared to the plastic enclosures common in this range. Anti-slip pads on the bottom keep it firmly in place on your desk. The two large knobs on top are satisfying to spin with a tactile click on each turn.
The front panel includes a 3.5mm unbalanced headphone jack, a 4.4mm balanced headphone output, and a 3.5mm microphone input. Around back, you'll find USB-C, optical TOSLINK, coaxial S/PDIF, Bluetooth antenna connector, RCA line outputs, and the DC power input. Three output options and four inputs at $199 is an exceptional connectivity offering for this market.
Centered on the top panel, a 1.5-inch LCD shows you input source, current volume, and whatever parameter the right-hand knob is actively controlling, all in real time. It's clean and functional without being cluttered.
A couple of small gripes worth noting: the two large knobs have a slight wobble when you handle them closely—nothing that affects functionality, but it is noticeable.
Sound Quality
Overall Sound
The K7's sound signature lands in clean, neutral, and slightly warm territory— which is a combination that works exceptionally well for both extended listening sessions and gaming. The AKM AK4493SEQ chip is a big reason for this: it tends to contribute a natural musicality that keeps the presentation from feeling sterile or overly analytical. You get impressive detail retrieval without the clinical edge that can make some DAC/amps tiring over time. The on-device bass and treble controls let you tune the character to your preference without opening a single app —a thoughtful and underrated feature at this price. The slight warmth the AKM chip introduces keeps things musical and organic, avoiding the flat, colorless presentation you sometimes get with overly clinical DAC chips.
EQ
The EQ on the K7 is quite easy to adjust and simple to use. By pressing the tone/mic button, you can quickly increase or decrease treble and bass by 12dB and also adjust the microphone volume. There is also a bypass filter button that allows you to turn off all your EQ settings while saving the bass/treble EQ once you turn the bypass filter off again.
Convenience / Usability
Everything you need is accessible directly on the device without diving into software menus or driver panels. Here's how the five front-panel buttons break down: the first powers the unit on and off, the second cycles through input sources, the third toggles between line-out and headphone output, the fourth bypasses the tone controls entirely, and the fifth lets you assign the right-hand knob to bass, treble, or microphone sensitivity adjustment. That's a lot of control packed into a compact interface, and it takes only a few minutes to become completely intuitive.
One thing to flag if you're an IEM user: the K7 has an occasionally audible noise floor with very sensitive in-ear monitors. In quiet passages, you may catch a faint background hiss when running something like ultra-sensitive multi-BA IEMs directly from the output. For full-sized headphones and the vast majority of IEMs in normal use cases, this is not audible—but it's worth knowing before you pair it with something exceptionally sensitive.
How Does the K7 Stack Up? — Comparisons
Fosi Audio K7 vs. Fosi Audio ZH3 (~$199)
Same brand, same price, and even the same AKM AK4493SEQ DAC chip under the hood. But these two units are aimed at genuinely different buyers. The K7 is the more versatile, feature-packed option: it brings Bluetooth 5.0, a microphone input, and a bold, angular design that fits naturally into a gaming or streaming setup. The ZH3 trades all of that for a purer, more audiophile-focused approach—you get XLR balanced preamp outputs, six selectable digital filters, a significantly lower noise floor that plays nicely even with ultra-sensitive IEMs, more output power at 2,570mW vs the K7's 2,100mW, and a remote control for couch-friendly listening. Sound quality on both is excellent and closely matched, but the ZH3 has a slightly cleaner, more refined presentation with better depth layering. If your setup is built around headphones and powered monitors, and you want the best possible audio performance, the ZH3 is the stronger pick (and my favorite of the two). If you want Bluetooth, a mic input, and a unit that handles gaming, music, and streaming from one box without compromise, the K7 will be better in versatility, with a sound quality that is very close.
Fosi Audio K7 vs. FiiO K11 (~$139–$179)
The FiiO K11 is a well-regarded desktop amp with a solid reputation in the audiophile community, and it deserves its spot in this comparison. Both are warm, full-bodied desktop units with good driving power in their range. But the K7 edges ahead with a more open, clear presentation and noticeably better detail layering. On the feature side, the comparison isn't even close—the K7 adds tone controls, a microphone input, and Bluetooth, none of which the K11 offers. The K11's simpler, more subdued aesthetic might appeal if you prefer your setup understated, but for feature breadth and overall sonic openness, the K7 wins.
Fosi Audio K7 vs. FiiO K7 BT (~$249)
Yes, two products called the "K7"—the naming overlap is confusing, and the comparison comes up constantly for that reason. The FiiO K7 BT costs $50 more than the Fosi and, interestingly, drops some features in the process: no microphone input, no on-device tone controls, and no LCD display. The FiiO does add an additional line input and offers a slightly different tuning character. The Fosi K7's output power of 2,100mW at 32Ω is objectively higher, and the overall feature set at $50 less is hard to argue with. Fosi wins clearly on value here.
Final Verdict
The Fosi Audio K7 is a product that quietly exceeds everything its marketing promises. "Gaming DAC/amp" dramatically undersells what this actually is: a legitimate hi-fi desktop DAC and headphone amplifier that happens to also include a mic input, Bluetooth, and a design you won't mind showing off.
At $199, you're getting an aluminum chassis, AKM AK4493SEQ DAC chip, 4.4mm balanced output, 2,100mW of headphone driving power, multi-format input support, on-device EQ controls, and plug-and-play compatibility with macOS and Linux. The faint noise floor with ultra-sensitive IEMs is worth knowing about, and the lack of LDAC Bluetooth support is noted, but neither is a dealbreaker at this price point.
Whether you're a gamer who wants genuinely better audio without getting lost in an audiophile rabbit hole, or an enthusiast hunting for a capable all-in-one desktop unit under $250, the Fosi K7 belongs on your shortlist. It's one of the best desktop DAC/amps available at this price, and it's not particularly close.
Technical Specifications
Price: $199 USD
DAC Chip: AKM AK4493SEQ (32-bit)
USB Controller: XMOS XU208
Headphone Amp: Texas Instruments TPA6120A2
Op-Amps: Texas Instruments OPA1612 (multiple)
Bluetooth Chip: Qualcomm QCC3031
Bluetooth Codecs: aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC, SBC
Bluetooth Version: 5.0
USB Max Sampling Rate: PCM 384kHz/32-bit, DSD256 (UAC 2.0)
Optical/Coaxial Max Sampling Rate: PCM 192kHz/24-bit
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