In the land of California’s endless rhythm, SOFT VEIN, another of Justin Chamberlain’s projects (you might know him from performing live with Harsh Symmetry), dances between the electric and the macabre, singing tunes of love, lust, and that ceaseless human drama. In 2022, making his debut with the single “GIVEUPTHEGHOST,” Chamberlain tipped his hat to the legacy of his post-punk and darkwave heroes and contemporaries, following up with industrial-tinged successor “VIOLENTIA.”
Fast forward to now, and SOFT VEIN is gearing up for further musical escapades. With suspense building for his forthcoming album, PRESSED IN GLASS, set to release under the esteemed Artoffact Records on October 20th, 2023, the intrigue doesn’t stop there. On the heels of his recently released melancholic melody, “BLOODLETTING,” Chamberlain entices us with another dark and atmospheric number, “LEASH.”
Deceptively understated, “LEASH” ensnares with eerie cries, an insistent synth throb, and a pounding drumbeat as if a factory floor was set to music. This time, the song’s ominous oeuvre has a gothic tinge, setting a disquieting dancefloor scene. In short, it is delightfully unsettling.
Listen to “LEASH” below:
The echoes of Selofan, Panther Modern, Boy Harsher, Mareux, and Twin Tribes weave their way through his melodies; it’s as if they’ve all left their fingerprints on his record, although SOFT VEIN’s sound remains unmistakably his own. In fact, Justin Chambelain penned and performed the entirety of PRESSED IN GLASS. Ewan Alastair Kay, who has collaborated with wonders like KONTRAVOID and Zanias, lent the album its shimmering, impeccable finish.
The album is a melange of influences, blending cold wave, industrial vibes, and the deep shadows of modern darkwave. At moments, it feels like a whispered secret in the dead of night, with a distant voice overlaying a backdrop of stark drums and metallic rhythms. It paints a vivid picture of longing and desire, occasionally shifting to a more melancholic, romantic tempo, as if inviting listeners to a clandestine dance of love and passion.
PRESSED IN GLASS will be available to stream on all platforms and will see physical releases on vinyl and CD on October 20th, 2023, via Artoffact Records. Pre-order the album here.
SOFT VEIN will be performing at Substance Festival on November 10th at the Globe Theatre in Los Angeles.
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