The experimental pop act Liphemra just dropped the title track to their upcoming EP "did u cry", and it is so lit. Gradients of fuzz drone, sliced loops, synth pads, and bass licks kick up the turbulence as singer/percussionist Liv Marsico lets loose a torrent of reverb between the verses. Guitarist Trey Findley conjures abrasive wails and honeyed cries as bassist Miles Gray and drummer Chris Parise play off the groove with dead accuracy. This interplay of hip hop and noise builds into a massive sonic whirlwind, receding as Marsico brazenly asks the question: "Did you even cry? / Did you even try?"
The simple verse recalls the sheer emotional weight of post-breakup feels, as crushing as the instrumental monument built and razed before it.
"You break up... Never talk again. You just want to know if they cried," says Marsico of the song.
The team has been holed up in their Mid City rehearsal space for the better part of the year, painstakingly recording and producing the EP after a brilliant string of performances with Algiers, Young Fathers, HOLY CHILD, and appearances at Lolipalooza and Echo Park Rising. Liphemra is at the final stretch, honing their live sound to reflect the EP's brilliance — there likely won't be any further shows until early next year, says Marsico.
Expect the drop of "did u cry" next March through LA-based Future Gods. - Ryan Mo, photo credit Arvida Bystrom
