Just now beginning to reverberate through the ominous corridors of the international darkwave scene, newcomer Blake Harley’s unique compositions draw inspiration from the industrial echoes of Berlin’s subterranean underbelly and the iconic gothic sensibilities closely associated with London. Her music is a blend of darkwave and gothic genres, characterized by yearning and passion themes. The aura of defiance that resonates through her musical pieces creates an immersive experience, which is well-suited for the dimly-lit spaces of underground dance events.
Blake Harley’s debut double-single, Linger On/My Love Is Loud, beckons audiences into a world of her own making. The music serves as a gateway, inviting listeners into a realm characterized by a potent fusion of nostalgia, romance, and a hint of the macabre. Both songs feature haunting narratives, interweaving tales of love and passion that transcend conventional boundaries. We hear shades of Siouxsie tempered by Xeno & Oaklander and Void Vision in her sound, with just a hint of Tori Amos popping in.
Linger On encapsulates the enchanting tale of love intertwined with the spectral, where affection is reserved for a ghostly presence that emerges solely under the cover of night. It delves into the exquisite allure of yearning—a longing for an alternate realm, era, or reality, steeped in the realm of fantasy. Love is intrinsically linked to a profound sense of yearning, and within the unattainable lies a poignant beauty. The melody mirrors this fusion of love-struck, childlike ecstasy and the profound pangs of melancholy, incorporating xylophone, moody synths, and resounding percussion.
In stark contrast, My Love Is Loud takes on a more shadowy and resolute demeanour, exploring the refusal to dilute one’s essence. Sometimes we simply must embrace a take-it-or-leave-it stance.
This unwavering attitude permeates the music, where metallic sound elements converge with dynamic drum rhythms and distorted bass lines, forming a compelling auditory landscape that mirrors this uncompromising ethos.
Blake Harley is an artist with an undeniable allure. Her music and lyrics are captivating. Judging by her sound and vision, her upcoming live performances promise immersive encounters that will transport attendees into a phantasmal realm, where motions run deep, and the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred. Harley’s music offers the possibility to delve into the depths of one’s emotional landscape, become ensnared in otherworldly melodies, and embrace the profound interplay of darkness and beauty that resides deep within the human spirit.
Blake Harley’s EP1 will be out in April 2024 via cassette. Her debut live show will take place on the 21st of Feb 2024 in London at Paper Dress Vintage.
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