Altered Zones

A state of fever pitch has set in as the upcoming release of Pure X's debut LP, Pleasure, draws ever nearer. There has been a slow but steady trickle of tracks and movements from the Austin trio-- not to mention a recent AZ Artist Profile-- to keep us satiated during our wait, and they continue to do so after just dropping another cut from the album. "Dry Ice" displays Pure X's unmatched ability for writing songs that glimmer with light and a warmth against an undertow of despair and fragility. The beauty that Pure X creates within this emotional ambiguity is striking. Nate Grace's pensive, mournful vocals curl around the quiet thud of the bass line, his measured delivery shattered by heart-wrenching carthartic outbursts. The initially diaphonous strums of the guitar eventually give way to the final unrestrained emotional energy of the track, breaking down in form and filling up the space with a smokey, whispy haze. --Daniel Gottlieb, Altered Zones via Stereogum

MP3: Pure X: "Dry ice"

Pleasure is out July 5th in the US and August 22nd worldwide via Acéphale. A new pressing of You're In It Now EP is out now via Light Lodge/Acéphale