The independent music scene is experiencing a fresh surge of energy with the latest release from Asylum 213. The Richmond-based collective has once again defied convention, channeling raw emotion into their newest single, Prolonged Exposure to Delusion. This track isn’t just another song—it’s an intense, unfiltered experience that resonates deeply with listeners, tackling themes of mental struggle, self-reflection, and the search for clarity amidst chaos.
Asylum 213 is the brainchild of singer and guitarist Dylan Lawson, who founded the band in 2010 as a solo project. After nearly a decade of sonic exploration, the band expanded to a four-piece in 2019, solidifying their lineup with Dexy Collier (bass), Marvin Ward (keytar/vox), and Benjamin Pilch (drums). With a reputation for electrifying, unpredictable live performances, Asylum 213 has carved a unique space in the alternative scene, blending elements of sludge rock, shoegaze, math rock, and noise into an immersive musical force.
Recorded at Mountainsize Audio in Asheville, NC, under the expert production of James Ferrell, Prolonged Exposure to Delusion encapsulates the turbulence of personal recovery. The track delves into the harrowing process of breaking free from deception, doubt, and self-deprecation. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that mirrors the band’s own journey—both individually and collectively—over their six-year tenure as a full-fledged group.
The song’s structure plays with dynamics, shifting between moments of restrained melancholy and explosive catharsis. The relentless percussion drives the track forward, while the guitar work constructs vast sonic landscapes, teetering between fragility and sheer force. The layered instrumentation creates a sense of urgency, mirroring the struggle to hold onto reality in an age of overwhelming information.
Lyrically, Prolonged Exposure to Delusion is an introspective battle cry. The band employs vivid metaphors, likening the human mind to a labyrinth of illusions, where distinguishing between truth and fiction becomes a desperate fight. Dylan Lawson’s vocal delivery is raw and impassioned, each lyric echoing the pain and resilience of those who seek to reclaim their sense of self.
Beyond the song itself, the band’s creative process reflects their relentless pursuit of authenticity. The recording was largely done in a live setting, with the core instruments tracked simultaneously—an approach that captures the raw chemistry and energy they bring to their live performances. This organic method of recording allowed them to tap into the immediacy of their emotions, translating them into an unfiltered, visceral sonic assault.
Accompanying the single, the music video for Prolonged Exposure to Delusion enhances its message through abstract, symbolic imagery. The visuals depict a chaotic journey through shifting realities, mirroring the song’s themes of confusion and awakening. It’s a hypnotic, immersive experience that elevates the track into a multi-dimensional work of art.
Set for release on February 13, 2025, this single serves as both a preview of Asylum 213’s forthcoming album Malpracticioner and a statement of intent. The band refuses to conform, instead forging their own path in the alternative music landscape. Their influences range from The Dillinger Escape Plan to Faith No More and Mr. Bungle, yet they maintain an identity distinctly their own—bold, unpredictable, and unrelentingly honest.
For those seeking music that challenges, inspires, and electrifies, Prolonged Exposure to Delusion is a must-listen. It is more than a song—it is a testament to the power of art to transform pain into something deeply meaningful. Asylum 213 is not just a band; they are a movement, a force of nature, and a reminder that amidst the noise, there is always a sound worth listening to.
Añadir comentario
Comentarios