Credit is due to my longtime friend and concert companion, Tim, for introducing me to this gem. Ashnymph, hailing from London, expertly fuses post-punk harmonies with the rhythmic precision of Krautrock and the gritty edge of industrial music. Their debut EP, Childhood, takes listeners on a journey through ethereal vocals layered in reverb and pulsating dance beats. It’s a compelling debut from a band poised for significant recognition.
The EP Childhood begins with ambient sounds, possibly footsteps echoing in a corridor, accompanied by swirling synths, before diving into the first track, “Island in the Sky.” This song kicks off with a driving motorik beat and resonant bass, blended with digitally altered vocals and a robotic rhythm. The chorus, with its bold chords, evokes memories of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s “Whatever Happened to My Rock and Roll.”
Next up is their first single, “Saltspreader,” which opens with a heavy metallic grind and percussive clatter. A soft synth arpeggio soon introduces a melodic element. As the track evolves, it features deeply chorused vocals reminiscent of 80s goth, paired with dynamic guitar and a disco-inspired beat. Despite its gradual build-up, the track’s dark, danceable nature makes it an obvious choice for a debut single, sticking in your mind long after it ends.
“After Glow” dives deeper into 80s nostalgia, channeling the essence of Depeche Mode and early Ministry, before Al Jourgensen’s guitar era. “47” blends industrial rhythms with quirky vocals and unconventional guitars, reminiscent of No Wave bands like Swans. The track’s abrupt shift to a half-time groove strips away harsher elements, allowing the guitar’s melodic beauty to shine, all while airy vocals hover above.
The EP concludes with “Mr. Invisible,” arguably its most avant-garde track. This song leans heavily on electronic elements, utilizing manipulated samples, cryptic vocals, and an unyielding bass line in its initial segment. As it progresses, clearer vocal melodies and looping guitar riffs interplay with complex synth patterns, creating a disorienting yet thrilling experience. The track wraps up with an unexpected end on an asymmetrical guitar riff and echoed vocals, leaving a craving for more of Ashnymph’s unique sound.
