Knots & Chains
Metropolis, 2026
9/10
The Swiss quartet Lone Assembly blend New Wave, synth-pop and post-punk into an exciting and dark 10 songs across this excellent debut.
The radiant synth and Romain Segu’s thumping drums opens the dark and expressive “Call Of The Swift”, which moves cautiously, and “Fantasy” follows with Raphaël Bressler’s animated keys via the buzzing and melodic bout of timeless post-punk nods.
Halfway through, “The City Works Like This” glides with an ominous beauty thanks to Glenn Le Meur’s dense guitar that helps the tune build into cinematic ideas, while “In The Open” is destined for the club with its lively beat that would sound perfect after a New Order tune.
Arriving later, “Paler Streams” emits intimacy thanks to the heartfelt singing and rich instrumentation, and “A Dark Score”, the best tune, exits with Jim Bodeman’s intricate bass adding much to the swirling dynamics and tuneful versus ominous presence.
If it were 1985, it’s not hard to imagine Lone Assembly on Factory Records, and their Gothic influenced version of New Wave/synth-pop might bring to mind names like Joy Division or Editors, which, for a post-punk fan like myself, is serious praise.
Travels well with: Øyunn- I Know U Can Do It; Serious Child- What Lies Beneath