Currently split between Berlin, Leipzig, and Potsdam, German post punk outfit LORNING — founding member Christopher Heinze (vocals), Thomas Gumprecht (guitar), Rajko Gohlke (bass), Tobais Hermann (synths) and Konrad Ruda (samples, effects) — is the vision of Leipzig-based musician and German studies scholar Christopher Heinze. With the release of last year’s full-length debut Other Void, Other Rooms and a handful of standalone singles, the German outfit quickly established a sound that defies genre-boundaries and is a blend of NDW (New German Wave), electro punk, dark wave, post-punk, EBM and industrial that’s specifically crafted to be an invitation to dance in the dark.

Aesthetically, the German band sees themselves as a sonic construct that doesn’t merely illustrate existential themes like isolation, inner turmoil, depression, a sense of being lost and equally of hope, dreams of life –but rather lives through them. The band’s debut album was informed by Heinze’s background in German studies with lyrics inspired by existential post-war literature. They describe their music as a sort of secret soundtrack for those who live between the notes.

Their latest single “Primary” is a breakneck anthem that to my ears sounds a bit like a blend of The Psychedelic Furs and The Damned while capturing the spirit and vibe of the original Cure tune.