Linea Aspera

Minimal wave act Linea Aspera formed in London in 2011 and released two cassette EPs before Dark Entries picked up their debut LP in 2012. Strictly using a limited assembly of analog synthesizers, the duo create psychologically charged coldwave pop distinguished by sharp beats and haunting melodies, and most importantly, Alison Lewis striking lyrics, which express deep feelings of longing, desire, and anxiety while using terms related to neuroscience and anthropology. The industrial and noise elements of the duos initial recordings are largely absent, as the pairs sound is honed into pitch-perfect synth pop recalling Soft Cell and early Depeche Mode at their best. Opener Synapse cuts the deepest, with its devastating refrain Dont look at me, it hurts, but Eviction and the hazy Preservation Bias come close, accepting life as a temporary state and the inevitable failure of the body. Malarone is simply vicious, with Lewis accusing a man of being a filthy protozoan and a parasite in the bloodstream, and the Italo-tinged Reunion contains the bitter accusation You are emptiness, alluding to harsh violence as a form of necessary self-defense rather than retaliation. Emotionally gripping and alarmingly focused, Linea Asperas debut rightfully earned an underground following, and the duo reunited in 2019 after spending most of the decade active with other projects. ~ Paul Simpson