For those bound to Projekt Records, the longstanding glorious label founded in 1983 by Black Tape For A Blue Girl mastermind Sam Rosenthal, the name Audra should sound familiar.
Formed in 1991 by Chicago-born brothers Bret and Bart Helm in Mesa, Arizona, Audra, as a power trio, released two albums right through the currently Brooklyn-based label, 2000’s self-titled debut and 2002’s “Going to the Theatre” with an 80s influenced mix of gothic-rock and post-punk sound giving nods to Bauhaus, Christian Death, David Bowie and Joy Division.
The band has a long history of intense live shows and have shared the stage with greats such as The Mission UK, Peter Murphy, New Model Army, AFI, Nitzer Ebb, Gitane Demone, etc.
Following the same DIY path of their 2009’s self-released third LP “Everything Changes”, the group have just dropped their first new song in 10 years, entitled “Wish No Harm”, the first single from the upcoming fourth album ‘Dear Tired Friends’ due to be released on August 23, 2019, featuring a guest appearance by Mike VanPortfleet of Lycia.
Darkly emotional, heartfelt and energetic “Wish No Harm” is propelled by a deep warbling, dismal bassline that pulses throughout backed by pounding, tight drums establishing the hypnotic and ominous foundations for abrasive, razor-sharp, mournful guitar riffs and sparsely whining leads on top of wracked, haunting vocals, conjuring profound despair, sadness, and desolation set against the backdrop of sad memories written in happiness that was lost upon deaf shallow ears.
A solid, promising return for the veteran trio with a dense yet cohesive, heavier and poignant post-punk number still retain alluring subdued undertones of gothic romantic sensuality. A labour of love and passion, rare these days.
