Compulsion is a universal force, manifesting in relationships, substances, or dreams. Each offers exhilarating peaks but also harbours a darker side, potentially leading to despair. Relationships can elevate or become possessive; substances provide temporary euphoria but risk addiction; dreams inspire yet can blind us to the present. This duality in London post-punk act heavy wild’s new song, Machete Romance, explores the thrill and volatility of our deepest drives, capturing the human experience’s intense highs and lows.
This track is an expansive dive into the shadow side of shoegaze psychedelia, ebbing and flowing with the haunting intensity of goth-infused early 90s alternative rock.
“Musically, we were going for an 80’s goth kinda vibe initially, but then it evolved as we went along and the sound became a bit bigger and more atmospheric, which was cool,” says vocalist Wolfgang Harte. “We wanted to keep that lo-fi warmth in the sound, but also wanted it to hit… it took some shaping, but we got there eventually.”
Drawing parallels to contemporaries like Cold Cave, the Horrors, and Traitrs, Machete Romance brims with wailing synths, jagged guitars, and drums that snap with precision. The vocal delivery oscillates between wistful melancholy and a raw, visceral edge, bringing a profound emotional depth.
Machete Romance pushes into darker, more intense territories than their recent works, signaling a bold evolution in their sound. Heavy wild continue to explore the vast possibilities within their musical landscape, grounding themselves in the familiar while venturing into thrilling new realms.
“The track is a cathartic howl exploring the torment and volatility of compulsion,” explains Harte. “I guess… universal in the sense that the feelings are true no matter what it is that compels you… relationships, substances, your dreams. They can all be equally as thrilling, equally as damaging.”
Harte’s reflection on the track underscores the delicate balance inherent in these compulsions. They are thrilling in their ability to make us feel intensely alive, yet damaging in their capacity to lead us into turmoil. Machete Romance embodies the highs and lows that come with being driven by something larger than oneself. It is this exploration of the human condition, in all its beauty and brutality.
Listen to Machete Romance below:
The band recently played its busiest shows to date, supporting Humane The Moon at The Victoria and Dog Race and the Sebright Arms. They make a return the Sebright Arms on June 8th, supporting Isolated Youth. On July 26th they will play at The Shacklewell Arms, supporting Blood Club.
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