The London band fuses motorik beats, industrial synths, and post-punk guitar in their vibrant debut.
I owe thanks to my oldest friend and concert buddy, Tim, for introducing me to Ashnymph. This London group merges post-punk tunes with Krautrock beats and industrial grit. Their debut EP, Childhood, oscillates between dreamy vocals wrapped in layers of reverb and dancefloor-ready rhythms. It’s an exhilarating debut from a band on the verge of a breakthrough.
Childhood begins with ambient sounds of someone walking down a hall, followed by swirling synths before “Island in the Sky” starts with a motorik beat and bass pulse. The thin, digitally altered vocals and mechanical rhythm are streaked with bursts of noise, but the grand chords of the chorus evoke Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s “Whatever Happened to My Rock and Roll.”
Next is “Saltspreader,” their first single. It starts with a deep metallic grind and clanking percussion, then soft synth arpeggios introduce some melody. The latter part features heavy chorused vocals reminiscent of ‘80s goth, driving guitar, and a disco stomp. Despite its slow start, it’s obvious why this was chosen as the lead single. It’s dark, catchy, and gets stuck in your head.
“After Glow” delves more into ‘80s nostalgia, echoing Depeche Mode and early Ministry before Al Jourgensen embraced guitars. “47” combines industrial beats with chipmunk vocals and unconventional guitars similar to No Wave acts like Swans. But a last-minute switch to a half-time groove strips away harsh layers, revealing the beauty of the guitar melody as ethereal vocals hover above.
The last track, “Mr. Invisible,” is perhaps the most experimental. It leans heavily on electronic elements, with manipulated samples, unclear vocals, and a steady bass thump. Eventually, clearer vocal melodies and looping guitar lines interplay with polyrhythmic synths. The result is disorienting, dizzying, and exhilarating. It ends somewhat abruptly on a skewed guitar riff and echoed vocal, leaving me wanting more. So much more.
Ashnymph’s Childhood EP is available now on Bandcamp and major streaming platforms such as Deezer, Apple Music, Qobuz, YouTube Music, and Spotify.