Since 2007, Brooklyn art rock audience-dividers Extra Life have challenged and uplifted the underground music scene with a dark, epic, unclassifiable blend of goth, pop, prog, metal, classical and ancient folk aesthetics. The group was founded by singer Charlie Looker after his departure from influential New York noise-chamber group Zs and his brief stint with Dirty Projectors. 
On Ripped Heart, Extra Life maintains their dramatic intensity and experimentalism, while also exploring their more accessible side. Amid the gothic harmonies, lurching rhythms and noise, there are infectious melodies, hypnotic repetition, and lush synth textures, making the compositions closer to pop songs than anything they’ve done yet. Though one still feels the influence of classic crushing New York bands like Swans and Unsane and composers Phillip Glass and Glenn Branca, the EP touches more than ever on the synthetic pop beauty of later Cocteau Twins and Depeche Mode. 
Ripped Heart’s vast sound was captured by modern metal luminary and longtime Extra Life producer Colin Marston (Krallice, Gorguts). In contrast to indie music’s current trend of sonic murkiness and vagary, the EP’s shimmering orchestration cuts through with a decidedly hi-fi aesthetic. 
The limited-edition 12-inch is the premier release by Looker’s own Last Things Records. Ripped Heart includes a free download of four remixes including up-and-coming techno shaman Laurel Halo, as well as kindred spirits Xiu Xiu, Liturgy and Former Ghosts (featuring Sam Mickens).