Compulsion is an ever-present force in our lives, whether it be through relationships, substances, or dreams. Each brings thrilling highs but also has a darker side, possibly leading to despair. Relationships can lift us up or turn possessive; substances offer fleeting joy but can lead to addiction; dreams inspire yet can distract us from the present. In their track Machete Romance, London post-punk act Heavy Wild dives into this duality, exploring the excitement and volatility of our deepest urges, reflecting the intense highs and lows of the human experience.
This track takes you on a deep dive into the darker realms of shoegaze psychedelia, with the haunting vibes of early 90s goth-infused alternative rock. Think of it as a moody cocktail of Cold Cave, the Horrors, and Traitrs, with Ride, My Bloody Valentine, and Chapterhouse. Machete Romance is packed with wailing synths, jagged guitars, and drums that hit with pinpoint accuracy. The vocals swing between wistful melancholy and raw intensity, adding a layer of profound emotional depth.
The visualizer, directed by Lea Emmery, unfolds like a series of unsettling dreams, each scene more surreal than the last. Picture this: a house ablaze, a lonely road at night, a haunting Louisiana swamp, candles in a mysterious ritual, some intriguing figures, and a spooky cemetery…as if someone opened a Pandora’s box of nocturnal mysteries and decided to start running a projector in Plato’s cave.
Watch the video for “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. On July 26th they will play at The Shacklewell Arms, supporting Blood Club.
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