Asylum 213’s Malpracticioner: A Sonic Odyssey of Healing and Resilience
Richmond, Virginia's Asylum 213 emerges as a creative powerhouse with the release of their debut album, Malpractice. What began as a solo venture for singer and guitarist Dylan Lawson in 2010 has evolved into a dynamic band with the addition of Marvin “Silky Piper” Ward on keytar and backing vocals, Dexy Collier on bass, and Benjamin Pilch on drums. Together, they’ve crafted a body of raw, noisy, and deeply introspective work, presenting a thematic meditation on the human capacity to endure and recover.
The 10 tracks of Malpracticioner are a carefully curated journey, each song contributing to the album’s overarching narrative of struggle, resilience, and self-discovery:
October Beach House:
The opening track evokes imagery of fleeting tranquility. Its haunting melodies set the tone for the album’s introspective themes.
Subi:
A faster-paced track with intricate riffs and driving percussion that captures the chaos of emotional turmoil.
Malpracticioner:
The title track is a cacophony of raw emotion and sonic experimentation. With its lyrics addressing personal flaws and redemption, it’s the album’s beating heart.
Orbiter:
A cosmic, dreamy interlude-like piece that offers a brief respite amidst the heavier tracks.
Phantom Nerve:
A dark yet energetic number with powerful vocals and a pulsating rhythm that explores the struggles of mental resilience.
Wakai:
Blending elements of shoegaze and post-rock, this track dives into youthful innocence and its inevitable loss.
D.G.A.F:
An unapologetic anthem of defiance and individuality, featuring gritty guitars and a rebellious attitude.
Memory Box:
A melancholic yet hopeful track that delves into nostalgia and the longing to move forward.
Cry Quite:
Stripped down and vulnerable, this song highlights Lawson’s vocal and lyrical prowess, examining the quiet struggles we often suppress.
Ida Kay:
The closing track brings the album full circle with a slow, emotive build that ends on a note of quiet optimism.
Malpracticioner is about navigating the complexities of human experience. As Dylan Lawson aptly describes, the album is a meditation on coping mechanisms healthy and destructive, and the relentless pursuit of healing. The band’s ability to convey both the beauty and ugliness of the recovery process makes the album deeply relatable. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, the glimmer of light is worth chasing.
Malpracticioner blends a variety of genres, including alternative rock, postpunk, and shoegaze, creating a soundscape that is as diverse as the emotions it explores. The use of keytar by Marvin Ward adds an unexpected layer of texture, while Dexy Collier’s basslines and Benjamin Pilch’s drumming provide a solid rhythmic foundation. Dylan’s vocals oscillate between raw vulnerability and powerful intensity, perfectly complementing the album’s sonic intricacies.
The production strikes a balance between polished and raw, allowing the band’s noise-infused storytelling to shine through without losing its emotional authenticity.
Malpracticioner is a triumph for Asylum 213, a debut album that feels both personal and universal. The band’s ability to blend raw emotion, intricate soundscapes, and thematic depth results in a record that resonates deeply. Whether you’re seeking catharsis, inspiration, or simply great music, this album delivers on all fronts.
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