Black Mare/Lycia – Split

Two brand new and exclusive tracks from an amazingly complementary pairing of Los Angeles, CAs BLACK MARE and Mesa, AZs LYCIA. BLACK MARE is the dark ambient solo project of IDES OF GEMINI frontwoman Sera Timms. On “Low Crimes,” bandmates from IDES OF GEMINI and MUSTARD GAS & ROSES (MGR) contribute to the sonic journey; an aurally lush, yet glacially-paced cruise through Timms frozen world wherein she encourages the minds eye to notice relics like the feathers of fallen angels scattered about the snow. Ice crystals form on an old church bell in the distance as the subarctic tones of the composition take over everything in their path. There is no escape and there will be no thaw. LYCIA initially came to prominence back in the late 80s and 90s with their groundbreaking darkwave and ethereal wave styles. Heavily reverbed guitars, dark/ethereal keyboard tones, and ominous programmed drums pushed the gothic scene forward as their music inspired NINE INCH NAILS, TYPE O NEGATIVE, and many within tangential dark, industrial circles. Their 1995 album “The Burning Circle and Then Dust” (on Projekt Records) remains a cult hit to this day. “Silver Leaf” plays out as the seamless companion to BLACK MAREs “Low Crimes,” both musically and thematically. There is no joy in either artists world, only an eternity to ponder whats been done. “Silver Leaf” comes about long after summer is gone, “where bright horizons are hard to find.” All that remains is reflection and memory slipping like sand through worn fingers. All copies are pressed on limited edition, one-time-only runs of either grey swirl or black vinyl. The title goes immediately out of print after Record Store Day. Exclusive cover art and insert art by the bands themselves round out this frostbitten slab of wax.