Lichtbeuger (which translates as ‘light bender’) is the collaboration between Auckland lads Adam Colgrove and Drew Lyon. They make no pretense of trying to sound anything other than what inspired their 2011 formation in the first place – the last two decades or so of EBM (electronic body music – or danceable industrial music), along the lines of Front Line Assembly, Skinny Puppy, Velvet Acid Christ et al. On that level they totally hit the brief with this 6-track EP, which came out via Albuquerque’s DSBP Records. Angry synths, rasped/hissed/spat cynical and criticising vocals. For a two-piece they fill a lot of space with thumping beats, synthetic melodies and just the right amount of attitude. Not trying to be new, or spectacularly different, they nonetheless put their own stamp on the scene in an authentic way, albeit with their self-professed retro style. This is a great release, exploring and showcasing their sound. The vocal effects are particularly cool. The punchy production kicks butt. I want to see the gear list. “The beau-ty of de-cay” (Cobalt) indeed!