ASYLUM PARTY - "BORDERLINE"

SIDE A

1. Play Alone
2. The Sabbath
3. La Tourmente
4. First Days of Winter

SIDE B

1. La Nuit
2. Better Days Ahead
3. Winter
4. Pictures

"Cold wave music," originating mainly in France and Belgium, influenced post-punk bands across Europe, including Joy Division, Siouxsie And The Banshees, and Kraftwerk. This led to the emergence of the "touching pop" sub-genre, characterized by lush, effect-laden sound akin to shoegaze, with a touch of pop sensibility against a melancholic backdrop. The French label Lively Art, a part of New Rose Records, housed many of these bands.

The album "Borderline" by Asylum Party, a French band from Courbevoie, is a notable example of touching pop. Opening with "Play Alone," the album blends simple and intriguing music with a sense of inner turmoil and hopelessness about modern life. Despite the darkness, the music retains a hint of desperation and a wish for hope, creating a rare blend of lamentation and uplifting tones.

The album's midpoint, "First Days Of Winter," serves as an instrumental interlude, offering a soothing yet strong melody with powerful drumming. "Borderline" feels complete, reflecting a person at peace with their situation, accepting their inner turmoil while evolving throughout the album.

Asylum Party's existence was short-lived, paralleling the touching pop movement. Despite their limited time together, "Borderline" remains a hidden gem in the post-punk world, enduring as a tragically overlooked masterpiece nearly three decades later.