now we lay here thigh to thigh
later our bones will just stack to the sky
better listen don’t care what you’ve seen
we will be here for the end of this
Death is the final chapter of a beloved story, regardless of whether a sequel is in the cards. Embracing mortality reveals the precious nature of life, lifting fear and anxiety. Anchoring ourselves in the present through mindfulness and gratitude turns everyday moments into something wondrous. Our legacy lies in small acts of kindness, and our relationships weave enduring patterns of love. Exploring beliefs, whether spiritual or philosophical, offers comfort, while personal reflection aligns our actions with what we hold dear, bringing inner peace. As we come to embrace the mystery of the unknown, we find liberation and a deep, soulful peace in living fully, cherishing each moment, and leaving a legacy of love with open arms and a curious heart.
One such story that explores that liminal space between this world and the next is Catacombs, the new single from Minneapolis trio Autumn. With its wintery video created by US goth legend William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate, Faith and the Muse), ‘Catacombs’ is the first to be revealed from Autumn’s forthcoming new album, Songs About Dying. The song was inspired by a trip to the catacombs of Paris and the revelations that it birthed.
“I was blown away by the simple truths revealed in the walls of bones reaching up like great scaffolding: the miles I walk have been walked by many others who came before, and will be walked by just as many after I am gone,” vocalist Julie Plante reflects. “It represents a truth that I find comforting. I don’t personally need for there to be some greater explanation of a “hereafter”, and I don’t need a heaven. My peace comes from accepting that I am part of the natural world.”
The sorrowful lyrics to Catacombs express a deep, eternal love that persists even in the face of death – shades of Poe permeate throughout. The lovers vow to face the end together, accepting their fate and finding peace in their unity. They reflect on shared memories and the inevitable return to the earth, embracing their connection and the cycle of life and death with acceptance and love.
Covid’s lockdown period brought a new epiphany to the theme and to the definition of love itself: “I knew my dad was nearing the end of his life, and I was finding myself really trying to make my peace with this fragile world and my own limited time in it,” says Plante. “I was also really dealing with solitude in a way I hadn’t ever before: recognizing that we are each born alone and will ultimately die alone, and yet we are never alone. Much of the video footage was shot up north in the woods in the coldest part of winter, and that, too, felt right to me. The starkness of a northern winter landscape has always spoken volumes to me of the thin line between life and death.”
Directed by William Faith, the video is a blend of performance and metaphorical exploration through the ether. It elegantly illustrates the delicate balance of the life cycle, portraying how the artist channels this profound energy into their music. This visual journey invites viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of life, death, and artistic expression.
Producer William Faith spoke with Post-Punk.com about collaborating with Autumn:
You’ve been a longtime collaborator of Autumn’s, since the early days when you were both with Tess Records, and have stayed closely involved with the band ever since. What is it that you feel has made your working relationship such an enduring one?
William Faith: We hit it off famously from day one, and I think we recognized that there was a definite chemistry when we worked together. They know I love their work, and that I will always do my best to make it shine for them.
What were some of your favourite aspects of working on the new single Catacombs and its video?
WF: As ever, the sheer joy of going into the song, finding the heart of it and bringing it to the fore is never lost on me. Supporting them through the recording process, bouncing ideas back and forth and the smiles that start to emerge as its all coming together is always special. The video was much more me finding creative ways to manifest Julie’s vision of the narrative; she had a strong concept in place for this, and we trekked all over the place to make sure we hit all the marks she was after, so it was a lot of shooting and then *a lot* of of work in the editing department, trying to keep it flowing but still keeping the thread of the primary narrative holding it together, abstract though it may seem. In the end, I think we did the song proud.
Watch “Catacombs” below”
You can listen to the song below or order here.
Autumn began as a collaboration between bassist Jeff Leyda and guitarist Neil McKay in the summer of 1992, solidified by the addition of vocalist Julie Plante in February 1994. With Julie’s soaring vocals over a rich array of intricate guitar and driving bass rhythms, they have gathered a loyal following over three decades.
After some early cassette releases, they signed to Tess Records in 1995, embarking on a long partnership with William Faith, who co-produced their debut album, The Hating Tree (1997). Sharing stages with Clan of Xymox, Faith and the Muse, Switchblade Symphony, Lycia, The Wake, and Sunshine Blind, they released their second album, Return to the Breath (2000).
Autumn will play at Dark Ceremony Festival on 15 June 2024 at White Oak Music Hall, Houston, TX, alongside Clan of Xymox, Chameleons, Twin Tribes and more!
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