An ominous post-punk atmospheric prowess lingers all through Automated Writhing, the brand new album from Washington, D.C.-based undertaking Zabus. Aptly, the darkly impactful soundscapes complement a poignantly morose thematic pursuit, revolving across the future’s bleak uncertainty and consequent wishes for escapism. Particularly, the discharge explores “escapism vs introspection” — pondering varied mediums towards the temptations of a digital actuality. Will one succumb to the tailored comforts of digital actuality, or be led into extra natural ventures like meditation and astral projection? The lofty consciousness melds with trendy productions for a resonating success from Zabus.
“Reality Desk” commences the album with a delectably eerie glow. Shimmering synths and rumbling guitars pair with a deep, somber vocal lead — resembling Bauhaus’ murmuring entrancement, inside a post-punk rhythmic undercurrent that exhibits shades of Pleasure Division and The Chameleons UK. “Phantom Lens” follows with a extra upfront vocal emotion and bass-y reverberation, sustaining a compelling vocal steadiness amidst the washes of synths and bass. One other standout is available in “Subculture,” whose spaciousness is haunting. Spacey, ambient results dominate within the absence of percussion, because the “till I die,” and “I forgive you,” lyricism fuses fantastically inside frequency-like intrigue.
Automated Writhing leaves a strongly memorable post-punk imprint with its moody, darkish haunts. It’s a vibe-heavy tour-de-force from the undertaking, led by multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Moore and in addition comprising Alex Zorn, Johnny Wielding, and Akane Shimizu.
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“Reality Desk” and different tracks featured this month may be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Rising Singles’ Spotify playlist.
