X Harlow’s sophomore album Anchorite combines their use of dark, brooding post-punk with an exploration of Gregorian chant, ambient and hip hop. “Anchorite” gets its title from the medieval figures of the same name: those who withdraw from society, trap themselves in place and pray for those around them in isolation. Written during the darkest months of New York’s coronavirus epidemic, the album is an emotional meditation on mourning family and an indictment of the state’s incompetence in public health. The album spans through nine intimate tracks that decidedly depart in intensity from X Harlow’s April release “Feuerwerk,” centering more on a mix of post-punk and hip hop, employing complex vocal harmonies, Gregorian chants, and technical beat making.  Influences from projects like Burial are clear on tracks like Glide and Von Bingen’s Prayer, both conveying an introspective, mystic ambience with the kind of deep rhythms found in UK dub.  On songs like “Pyre” and “Eyes Out” X Harlow sings of the deep anxiety from grief and isolation during lockdown.  The album is interlaced with short interludes of dark ambience; opening with the suffocating chords of “Alfred Dies” and ending with the calming choirs of “Elysium.” X Harlow’s lyrical content always tackles political topics but the execution of contemporary pop and engaging rhythm shows a refinement of their work here. Almost every song has its own hook; some are haunting while others are simply catchy dystopian anthems. “Anchorite” moves away from the aggressiveness of “Feuerwerk” and creates a direct lineage of the more bewitching and cerebral tracks that can be found on “Ceiling System,” the first X Harlow release. The rhythms are driving, the music haunting, and the lyrics thoughtful and challenging.