Richmond, Virginia’s Asylum 213 is not here to play it safe. With their debut full-band album, Malpracticioner, set for release on December 13, 2024, the eclectic quartet has crafted an audacious and emotionally charged body of work. What started as the solo project of singer and guitarist Dylan Lawson in 2010 has evolved into a collaborative powerhouse, thanks to the addition of Marvin “Silky Piper” Ward on keytar and backing vocals, Dexy Collier on bass, and Benjamin Pilch on drums. Together, they’ve delivered an album that is equal parts raw, reflective, and electrifying.
The album’s 10 tracks offer a visceral exploration of the human experience, weaving narratives of struggle, recovery, and resilience through a soundscape that refuses to be confined to a single genre. Each song reflects Lawson’s ethos: “No matter how dark things get, that small glimmer of light you have at the end of the day is always worth maintaining.” This guiding sentiment permeates Malpracticioner, creating a tapestry of sound and emotion that resonates deeply with listeners.
Opening with October Beach House, the album sets an atmospheric tone, combining Lawson’s plaintive vocals with shimmering guitar work that feels like a nostalgic daydream tinged with melancholy. The track builds delicately, drawing listeners into a world where beauty and pain coexist. From there, the album shifts gears with Subi, a high-energy number that showcases the band’s knack for pairing biting lyrics with infectious rhythms.
The title track, Malpracticioner, emerges as a centerpiece of the album, blending grunge-inspired riffs with Ward’s cinematic keytar textures. It’s a whirlwind of chaos and catharsis, capturing the internal battle between self-doubt and perseverance. In contrast, Orbiter offers a moment of ethereal calm, with minimalist instrumentation and introspective lyrics that give the listener space to breathe.
Phantom Nerve and Wakai delve into darker, more experimental territory, demonstrating the band’s willingness to push boundaries. Phantom Nerve layers haunting vocals over dissonant chords, while Wakai delivers an otherworldly vibe through its hypnotic rhythm and otherworldly synths. These tracks exemplify the band’s ability to balance sonic complexity with raw emotional power.
For those craving unbridled anthems, D.G.A.F. is a standout. The track’s cheeky, rebellious energy is driven by Collier’s propulsive basslines and Pilch’s explosive drumming, creating an undeniable crowd-pleaser. Asylum 213 takes a more introspective turn with Memory Box and Cry Quiet, two songs that explore themes of loss and healing. Memory Box feels like a letter to the past, while Cry Quiet strips back the layers to reveal a poignant vulnerability.
The album concludes with Ida Kay, a fitting closer that ties together the record’s themes of perseverance and self-discovery. Its stripped-down arrangement highlights the chemistry between the band members, leaving listeners with a sense of closure and optimism.
Malpracticioner is not just an album; it’s a statement. Asylum 213 has crafted a debut that defies expectations, blending elements of punk, grunge, and experimental rock into a cohesive and compelling narrative. The interplay between Lawson’s introspective songwriting, Ward’s innovative keytar work, Collier’s grounding basslines, and Pilch’s dynamic drumming creates a sound that is both unique and deeply relatable.
This release marks a turning point for Asylum 213, showcasing their evolution from a solo project into a fully realized band with limitless potential. As listeners immerse themselves in Malpracticioner, they’ll find themselves drawn into a world where chaos and beauty collide, reminding us all that healing is a messy but ultimately worthwhile journey.
With its blend of raw emotion, sonic experimentation, and unfiltered honesty, Malpracticioner is a must-listen for anyone seeking music that challenges, comforts, and inspires. Asylum 213 has arrived, and they’re not looking back.
