Brooklyn Post-Punk Act Spirits of Leo Grapple with Inner Demons in New Single “Asylum”

The devil never comes if you don’t believe him
The curse relinquished
Scepter come, incarcerate
Where I’m captive, I am safe

After a long pandemic pause, Brooklyn post-punk act Spirits of Leo returned last February with a new lineup, and signed with à La Carte Records. They announce the debut their ethereal new single “Asylum”, taken from their full-length album Gossamer Blue, set for release on August 12th.

The song builds slowly as it weaves a sombre atmosphere of chorused textures and bleak, driving post-punk rhythms, that give way to silvery vocal melancholia. Spiraling around with its sorrowful melody, one can hear all the hallmarks of early 4AD and Fiction Records-era goth bands, with their intricate guitar work and mournful verses. Spirits of Leo are frequently compared to contemporary artists such as Drab Majesty, Wild Nothing, and Airiel;  there are shades of The Chameleons, The Cure, and Clan of Xymox, rife with introspection and a slightly dour demeanour. This is a track of contemplation.

“Asylum addresses obsessions, compulsions and intrusive thoughts…things I’ve struggled to keep at bay since I was very young,” remarks songwriter Ryan Santos Phillips. It’s very much about finding safety in a place where your inner demons oppress and control you, and finding shelter from relentless ruminations.”

Listen to “Asylum” below:

Spirits of Leo will be performing their record release show on August 11th at No Aloha in Brooklyn alongside fellow Brooklyn shoegazers Minaxi and Dahl Haus, along with a secret guest.

Gossamer Blue is out August 12, 2022.

Order Here

(Photos by Madeleine Hall. Single artwork by Coward’s Way)

Follow Spirits of Leo: 

• Bandcamp
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Spotify