Altered Zones

By Luke Carrell

Long available exclusively via shows, select record shops, and that friend who lets you borrow tapes sometimes, Light Asylum’s In Tension EP is finally seeing a proper release. This news caused both cheers of joy and sighs of relief, as many had feared that the recordings-- now over a year old-- might fall prey to the inertia of the label-hunting process-- or end up being shelved by the duo of Shannon Funchess and Bruno Coviello themselves. Fortunately, the forces of dark electronic pop had other plans; one international tour, a music video, over a hundred shows, and many frustrating label flirtations later, Brooklyn-based Mexican Summer stepped in and we find ourselves here, awaiting the release of In Tension as a 12-inch EP.

As appealing and relatable as that narrative may be, a fresh listen reveals that In Tension has done more than "age well." The gap between recording and release date has only deepened the sense of timelessness made these tracks so potent from the get-go. Funchess' commanding, almost predatory vocals punctuate brassy synth grooves, equally suited to a foggy dance floor and a well-worn mixtape. The recordings are rich in detail without seeming overly exacting or canned, and while the song structures don’t stray drastically from their own peculiar formula (usually, a combination of protracted verses and repetitive melodies), the textures on the EP are far from predictable. "A Certain Person" works beautifully as an earnest, new romantic-tinged opener when followed by the quasi-religious rapture of “Dark Allies.” Likewise, the seasick industrial beat of “Knights and Weekends” forms the perfect shot-in-the-arm before the martial drum machine dirge of “Skull Fuct.” Few EPs manage to be so diverse yet so cohesive, and as Light Asylum work toward a full album in 2012, one wonders what the future will bring. In the meantime, we intend to scope out their live show for clues.

Light Asylum: In Tension

In Tension EP is out on June 14th on 12" vinyl, and is currently available for pre-order via Mexican Summer. Rumor has it that there are a few surprise bonus tracks in the works