Recorded at Miloko’s ‘The Pool’ studios, and mixed at Youth’s own Prism Sound studios by Michael Rendall, the EP brings together the powerhouse behind both Echo & the Bunnymen’s ‘Meteorites’ and The Jesus and Mary Chain’s ‘Damage & Joy’ albums. This EP defines the band’s darker sounds, with droning guitars, pulsating synths, thunderous drums, whilst still retaining the icy guitar riffs, glowering basslines and the moody melodic baritone of Glen’s melodies.
Somewhat fittingly, the EP’s eponymous lead single manages to epitomise this dichotomy perfectly. A brooding bassline is paired with airy electronics, creating an aesthetic that’s as despondent as it is uplifting and is the perfect example of the band’s own ambitious and atmospheric brand of post-punk.
Elsewhere on the EP, ‘Further’ closes the record out, relishing in its own grandeur while capturing NLE’s desire to stretch themselves to new limits. As a whole however, Parting Shot perfectly shows both Northern Light Exposure’s willingness to experiment and their chemistry as band, in what they regard to be their most accomplished work to date.
Parting Shot
For Every Flame
Trouble
Further