Astorian Stigmata

From its name to its look, Wilkes-Barre’s Astorian Stigmata have a goth rock aesthetic, so it’s no surprise that their music absolutely drips with it. “Dark indie rock” may be a better phrase to describe the creation of Dennis Condusta and his ever-rotating bandmates, though. Their latest EP, “A Dark Summers Sunrise,” is an even mix of both. In a recent Weekender interview, he cited Modest Mouse, The Cure, and The Gaslight Anthem as influences, and in album opener “The Dancing Dead,” each can be subtly heard in the toe-tapping, synth-driven beat. It’s easily the most poppy and enjoyable song amongst the five tracks.

The sound quickly shifts into “Suicide Love Song,” capturing all the melancholy and sing-songy structure of an old acoustic country tune before hitting the chorus, where the rocking kicks back in. It is here especially that Condusta’s shaky voice resembles that of Bright Eyes singer Conor Oberst.

While mellower, “Silent Catastrophe” is punctuated with another catchy beat, while “The Elegance of Decay” is slower, more straight-up mood rock. “Ballroom Dancing” is a powerful acoustic ending with its cutting, honest lyrics and mournful wails, though a hidden track strips this down even further just a few minutes later.

Overall, the record embraces simplicity over complexity, taking pieces from Stigmata’s experimental sound showcased in its many previous releases and applying them to basic four-minute, head-bobbing rock music.

Because Condusta records, produces, mixes, masters, and burns his CDs on his own, it lacks without live drumming here and there, but it makes up for it in the authenticity he brings to the writing, performing, and production. The record can be purchased at astorianstigmata.com and includes buttons, post cards, and other special gifts stuffed inside the handmade envelope, letting the self-taught singer and multi-instrumentalist place one final personal stamp on his work before he delivers it directly to his fans.

Astorian Stigmata 'A Dark Summers Sunrise' Rating: W W W V - The Weekender / Impressions Media