I feel her, cold at the back of my neck
I feel her, constricting my chest
She’s always been there
Stealing my breath
Australian artist Chiffon Magnifique epitomizes an enchanting blend of post-punk, minimal wave, and goth rock, delivering a dark yet entrancing musical allure. Steering this captivating journey is none other than the visionary Jed A. Walters, who embarked on this project to intricately explore the art of pop music with a distinctive baroque twist.
Walters’ music weaves heavily affected guitar tones, plucked bass, drum machine beats, and haunting synth sounds to transport listeners to a shadowy realm where darkness and beauty intertwine. Drawing inspiration from Molchat Doma, The Soft Moon, Cocteau Twins, Martin Dupont, and Xeno & Oaklander, Chiffon Magnifique’s music makes an indelible mark that lingers long after the music fades.
Their latest offering, Anxietika, anthropomorphizes the condition of anxiety, described as a relentless and suffocating presence, who embodies anxiety and despair. She haunts, constricting the chest and stealing breath, guiding straight towards death. Affecting everyone, she causes feelings of inadequacy and fills minds with negative thoughts. Anxietika’s grip is inescapable, leaving one feeling devoured and isolated. Despite the world’s vastness, the struggle with Anxietika feels endless, consuming one entirely.
Walters has powerful crooning pipes reminiscent of Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet, with the songwriting prowess of Talk Talk, Thompson Twins, Soft Cell and The Human League. The boy-girl duet with Sacred Hearts‘ June Gray really hammers home the pathos of Anxietika‘s wrath.
The video clip, directed by Clint Lewis of Red Tape Pictures, is a throwback to a classic film noir crime flick. It shows Walters and Gray in an interrogation room, where he’s getting the third degree from an otherworldly entity. The swinging pocket watch isn’t just for show—it’s a metaphor for lost time, courtesy of this little succubus.
Gray, meanwhile, plays the part of the sinister siren with a smirk. The pocket watch swings, and with every tick, you can almost hear the sands of time slipping away. It’s a hypnotic hustle, a dance with danger, and Walters is caught in the crossfire. The scene is a perfect blend of suspense and sly humour, with a touch of the supernatural to keep things interesting.
Watch the video for “Anxietika” below:
Pre-order/pre-save Anxietika here.
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