Light Asylum

About

Light Asylum isn't just playing darkwave; they're excavating it from the ruins of forgotten industrial landscapes. The Brooklyn-based duo, primarily comprised of Shannon Funchess, weaponizes synths and Funchess's commanding, operatic vocals to create music that’s both confrontational and cathartic. Traces of EBM, gothic rock, and even a touch of soul underscore their sound, recalling icons like Nitzer Ebb while forging a fiercely independent path. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2012, solidified their status as a vital voice in the underground electronic scene, garnering critical acclaim for its raw emotion and uncompromising vision. While collaborations have been sparse, Funchess's distinct voice has graced tracks with other artists, demonstrating her versatility. Though their activity has been more sporadic in recent years, Light Asylum's impact resonates. Their influence can be heard in the resurgence of darkwave and industrial sounds in contemporary electronic music, proving that their sound, forged in the shadows, continues to illuminate the way for others.