Bold and vibrant magenta embodies the essence of passion, creativity, and individuality. In the realm of color psychology, magenta is a catalyst for imagination and original thinking, while in spirituality, it represents the crown chakra – a gateway to spiritual awareness and higher consciousness.
Enter West Wickhams, the psychedelic noir duo consisting of Jon Othello and Elle Flores. Their latest EP, “Magenta,” is a tribute to this extraordinary colour, celebrating universal harmony and emotional balance by merging the power of red with the introspection of violet.
Hailing from Tresco on the Isles of Scilly, Othello, and Flores have now taken up residence in Richmond, Surrey. Their captivatingly eclectic sound draws inspiration from a myriad of sources, including Mary Shelley, Whitby Abbey, pipe organs, dark punk, Edgar Allan Poe, The Fall, Chameleons, Pixies and Mission of Burma. Echoing vocals, ringing post-punk guitars, and a dash of bittersweet nostalgia embellish the collection of five songs.
West Wickhams has released visually stunning clips for the tracks from this EP using classic archival film footage from sci fi and horror; adding a camp charm to the eerie, haunting sound of the band.
“The Sentinels‘” rolling drums, strange synth noodlings and echoing, whispered vocals feel ghostly, ominous and sinister – so what better illustration than the 1962 macabre masterpiece, Carnival of Souls?
“This Is A Hang Up” ventures into shoegaze territory, with a poignant breakdown, emotional vox and wistful guitar work. It’s perfectly illustrated by 1965’s Planet of the Vampires – a retrofuturistic glimpse at the atomic-era dream gone horribly awry.
“Hot Jump” uses 1944’s Curse of the Cat People to illustrate this chiming chant with psychedelic guitars and haunting synth elements.
1982 sci-fi classic Liquid Sky sets the tone for “Swear Above Suspicion”, an urgent minor-chord jangle that feels unsettling and sinister…perfectly illustrated by those coked-out aliens.
This vibrant offering of Magenta is now available in a limited edition CD, with exclusive magenta artwork on Bandcamp.
Listen to the entire Magenta EP on Spotify.
Catch West Wickhams live on their 2023 UK tour:
- March 25th – Bristol, Crofters Rights (supporting Wasted Youth)
- March 26th – Brighton, The Albert (supporting Wasted Youth)
- July 5th – Guildford, Boileroom (supporting Chameleons)
- July 6th – Northampton, Black Prince (supporting Chameleons)
- July 7th – Peak Cavern (supporting Chameleons)
- July 19th – Leeds, Goth City 7
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