A dynamic tour-de-force that alternates seamlessly between lush contemplation and hard-rocking intensity, Malpracticioner is an immersive new album from Richmond, VA-based band Asylum 213. Thematic ruminations on coping with life’s tumults, in addition to the importance of holding onto hope, enthrall within the climactic productions — inducing replays in their seamless shifts between screaming vocal intensity and dreaminess.
Twangy guitars and playful synths intertwine melodically on the opening track “October Beach House,” captivating in its hooky vigor. Lyrical reflections on running in circles build with enjoyable momentum. “It keeps me up at night,” they commiserate, launching thereafter into an infectious array of bursting guitars and soaring vocal passion. A multitude of momentum-filled, satiating rises impress throughout the album, and it doesn’t take long in getting underway via the stellar “October Beach House.”
Another highlight, “Malpracticioner” immerses with an eclectic tonal prowess from the get-go — launching from dreamy intrigue into sweltering doses of guitar distortion. The shimmering guitar work and melodic vocals thereafter remind fondly of Last Dinosaurs, while the intermittent dashes of hard-rock vigor invigorative courtesy of screamo vocal passion and impassioned percussion. From highlights like these, to the prog-rock rhythmic dexterity within “Wakai” and emotive rock finale “Ida Kay,” Malpracticioner makes for a consuming listen from start to finish.
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“Malpracticioner” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
