Linea Aspera (band)
| Company type | Independent |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Linea Aspera is a London-based English electronic duo that came together in 2011. The group consists of vocalist Zoè Zanias (real name Alison Lewis) and synthesizer player Ryan Ambridge. While Zanias is responsible for the songwriting, Ambridge oversees the electronic instrumentation, mixing, and production aspects.
Their name is inspired by the anatomical phrase linea aspera, which translates to "rough line," symbolizing both their musical style and the biological motifs present in their work.
History
Established in November 2011, Linea Aspera's sound is heavily influenced by electronic acts from the 1980s. Critics have noted their music as distinctly reminiscent of that decade, emerging fully developed from East London's underground music scene. In January 2012, they independently released the Linea Aspera EP on cassette format, which was later recognized as number one on Burning Flame's Top 20 EPs of 2012 list.
The duo signed with Dark Entries Records and launched their first full-length album, Linea Aspera LP, on 25 September 2012. This release was made available digitally and on vinyl via Dark Entries, while German label Genetic Records handled the CD distribution. Each vinyl edition included artwork created by Dovile Shurpo along with lyric inserts.
A North American tour scheduled for November 2012 was canceled due to visa complications. The band effectively ceased activity in January 2013 but reunited for a final performance at Amsterdam’s Grauzone Festival the following February. Afterward, Zoè Zanias collaborated with Sid Lamar to form Keluar and subsequently embarked on a solo career under the name Zanias.
On 16 September 2019, Linea Aspera announced their comeback accompanied by European tour dates. They self-released their sophomore album, LP II, in 2020. The duo made their live debut in the United States on 18 October 2022 at Saint Vitus Bar in New York City.
Discography
| Title | Release date | Length | Label | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linea Aspera EP | 28 January 2012 | Extended Play | Self-release | Cassette |
| Linea Aspera II | 27 July 2012 | Extended Play | Self-release | Cassette |
| Linea Aspera LP | 25 September 2012 | Long Play | Dark Entries | 12" vinyl, CD, Digital |
| Preservation Bias | 27 June 2019 | Long Play | Dark Entries | Vinyl, Digital |
| Linea Aspera LP II | 7 September 2020 | Long Play | Self-release | Vinyl, Digital |