Haunter wants to tour with Chvrches

Just a few months since their debut live show, Houston synth-pop quartet Haunter is making a bold push with a new six-track EP, Game Boy. It’s a record they describe as a statement of purpose and a love letter to the band that inspired them: Chvrches.

“This EP was made to tour with Chvrches,” says vocalist Lucy Lenoire, with a laugh. “Yep. That was the goal from day one.”

Game Boy marks a shift in direction for Haunter, who had previously released a series of singles. This time, they focused on creating a cohesive body of work that captures the scope of their sound and energy.

“We have a whole back catalog,” says guitarist Mike Ray. “But we wanted to build something that felt complete. A full story.”

The result is an EP that blends synth-pop, emo and metal influences, echoing the genre-blurring spirit of their hometown. Though each song can stand on its own, the band urges listeners to listen to the EP in its entirety, from front to back.

“I want people to walk away saying, ‘That was a full experience,’” says Lenoire.

Among the standout offerings is the title track, which originally appeared in a pandemic-era horror film that spent six weeks atop the box office—the first movie to do so since Avatar. Though the song was written early in the band’s formation, they held it back until the timing felt right.

“That moment is now,” says guitarist Enoma Asowata.

At the center of Haunter’s music is Lenoire’s voice: a fierce, emotionally loaded blend of pop clarity and metal grit. Her performance on the track “Strangers” has drawn strong reactions even from within the band.

“One of the guys called it ‘obscene,’” she laughs. “I’ll take it.”

The group’s fascination with Chvrches runs deep. That obsession took root after a post-recording session night in Los Angeles, when the band caught a Chvrches show.

“We were already riding a creative high,” bassist Mark Schroeder recalls. “Then we saw them live, and it was the perfect ending to that moment, and kind of the beginning of this one.”

The band’s hope is that this EP catches the attention of the Scottish synth-pop trio, not just as fans but as potential tourmates.

Haunter isn’t content with building a following one single at a time. They’re crafting a sound, a vision and a live presence worthy of the artists who inspired them. “Each song has its own personality,” Asowata says, “but this releases more of a statement piece of who we’re turning into.”

HAUNTER’s EP will be available for purchase and on all streaming platforms on September 12. They will perform at The Secret Group in Houston on October 3 and 29th Street Ballroom in Austin on October 4.