From the vibrant quarters of East London, neighbours, and musical allies, Deep Bleak, introduce their haunting inaugural track, “Double Nature.” With a discerning eye on Duane Michals’ photographic artistry, Liam Butler and Sarah Neumann venture into an exploration of morality through their track, questioning the very definitions of right and wrong.
Can any value stand the test of time?
“Not really,” insist Deep Bleak, “Instead we are striding through a city of threaded glass.”
With Double Nature, one is immediately greeted by the intriguing texture of a distorted vocal. It promptly makes its transition into a sombre spoken word, backed by hauntingly atmospheric synthesizers. But it’s the chorus that captivates: a voice, both ethereal and angelic, pierces the gloom, bestowing upon the composition a dramatic, albeit exquisite, contrast. There are trace elements of artists like Mount Kimbie, Broadcast, Fontaines D.C., audiobooks, PVA, The Smiths, and Boy Harsher in their sound.
“A bulk of this track was written during a minging hangover,” they say. “We nearly didn’t show one another what we’d put down for it because we weren’t sure if it sounded good as we were so rough. We’re glad we stuck at it as when we revisited the track, it became one of our favourites straight away.”
From the heart of the Midlands in the UK to the bucolic stretches of East Germany, Butler and Sarah converge to create music that delves into life’s solemnities, yet with an ever-present wink. Their paths first crossed in London, serendipitously introduced by mutual acquaintances. At that juncture, Butler sought the perfect voice to complement his musical vision, a role Sarah effortlessly filled. While Butler has called East London his abode for close to ten years, Sarah’s journey to the UK began in 2020, having previously resided in Canada.
Listen to “Double Nature” below:
Deep Bleak’s debut EP is scheduled for release in February 2024.
Follow Deep Bleak:
Or via: