DARK ALLIES

So I'm listening to an amazing mix by NP on Spotify (still trying to navigate this program) called WITCHHAUS, which is wonderfly amazing in a gothster (read 'gothic hipster') kind of way. I feel like I've nearly fallen and broken my ankle to many of these songs on the uneven concrete floor in the basement of Home Sweet Home during one of Wierd Record's nights. One song in particular invokes a vision of various body parts cutting through strobe lights, fog machines and a haze of street tequila. I recognize the beat.

The track is called Dark Allies by a Brooklyn based duo called Light Asylum. The brainchild of Shannon Funches, who can be best be described as Grace Jones gone riot grrrl. Relocating to Brooklyn from Seattle a decade ago, she has leant her wide range of vocal skills to various bands such as TV on the Radio. She conceptualized Light Asylum a few years ago, but the project only really came to life when she met Bruno Coviello. A New Jersey native with a background in electronic music, they both knew they were destined to work together after a conversation that involved an obscure Clan of Xymox reference.



Their video for Dark Allies is much like my initial experience with the track on the dance floor. Shot overnight in an empty bank vault on Wall Street used by the artist collective C.H.E.R.Y.L. and directed by Grant Worth. The video features the image of a half naked Virgin Mary, shrouded by neon strobe lights, that is faded in and out between images of Shannon dancing through a fog machine haze, dodging in and out of electric neon light sabers, slicing through the air around her as well as utilizing them as weapons, like a futuristic punk rock warrior going into battle on the dancefloor. Her all white ensemble, featuring a black cross adorning her chest and a leather daddy type hat, showcasing her androgynous style while Coviello's pulsating synth beats stimulate the electricity running through your veins and make you want to DANCE.

Dark Allies is featured on a 4 track EP that is only available directly through Light Asylum at their live shows. They are currently compliing material to record a full length LP on a yet unconfirmed label. You can keep up the band via their website.