Photo by George C. Gildersleeve
In the bustling underbelly of NYC’s music scene, Lathe of Heaven is carving out a name that resonates with a raw, unapologetic force. With a discography that might seem modest on paper, their presence is anything but. Amplified by live shows that are as intense as they are unforgettable, they’ve become a formidable force in the American post-punk underground.
Their sound is a heady mixture, a fusion that’s both a nod to the roaring resurgence of 80s-style hardcore punk and a dalliance with the dynamic revival of synth-laden post-punk. But Lathe of Heaven is more than a mere reflection of these influences; their unique sonic concoction is a bold statement of individuality and strength, a testament to their artistic prowess.
The anticipation is building as Lathe of Heaven has just dropped their second single from their forthcoming full-length debut album. Slated for release on the revered Sacred Bones label, this record promises to be not just a continuation of their journey but a defining moment.
This latest offering, the monochromatic visual for “At Moments Edge,” is a masterclass in cinematic simplicity. Directed by the visionary duo Zack Shorrosh and Emma Penrose, this atmospheric montage is a beautiful interplay of scenes and mesmerizing band performance. It’s a piece that harkens back to the profound aesthetic of German Expressionism, conjuring echoes of silent cinema, yet feels entirely fresh and contemporary.
Adding to the allure is the ambiguity of the video’s time of filming, a detail that wraps the visual narrative in a cloak of mystique. This enigmatic touch aligns perfectly with the essence of the song, weaving the old with the new, the past with the present, into a seamless blend. It’s a work that’s reflective yet pioneering, a timeless creation that stands as a testament to Lathe of Heaven’s ability to transcend the ordinary and craft something truly extraordinary.
Watch “At Moment’s Edge” below:
Formed in 2021, Lathe of Heaven unites talents from a spectrum of distinguished Brooklyn projects, including Pawns, People’s Temple, Porvenir Oscuro, Android, Hustler, and more. This blend of musical heritages creates a vibrant and dynamic tapestry that could easily have been an echo of the collective members’ past and parallel engagements. Yet, Lathe of Heaven is anything but that.
Instead, the band emerges as an intriguing divergence from their roots, delving into uncharted territory, marked by a melody uniquely their own. The legacy of their lineup, rich in various genres and capabilities, has evolved into a bold venture into a realm distinctively defined by their inimitable rhythm, timbre, and harmony. Far from being a reflection of their earlier influences, Lathe of Heaven’s musical exploration sets them apart.
Bound By Naked Skies resonates with profound reverence to the surreal landscapes crafted by authors like Arthur C. Clarke, Octavia Butler, Ken Liu, and, naturally, Ursula Le Guin—whose novel inspired the band’s name. It is these intricate themes of cosmology (Ekpyrosis), simulation (Heralds of the Circuit-Born), mental health struggles (Moon-Driven Sea), and the exploration of being (Entropy, The Spider, etc.) that subtly thread throughout the album’s narrative. This intricate tapestry of themes grants listeners a glimpse into the minds troubled by the uncertainty of humanity’s unsettling and imminent future.
Listen below:
Bound By Naked Skies will be released via Sacred Bones Records on September 1st.
Pre-order here.
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