Photo Credit: Geddi Monroe
Hailing from South Carolina, post-punk ensemble Candy Coffins unveils “Another Kiss,” the newest gem extracted from their repertoire, “Once Do It With Feeling.” Infused with the atmospheric textures and melodic sensibilities reminiscent of The Cure, along with the raw, passionate delivery akin to The Afghan Whigs, this ten-track anthology represents their most exceptional work yet. It narrates the trajectory of a relationship, from the emergence of the first fissure to its eventual, heartbreaking disintegration.
“I love all the songs on the album, obviously – they’re my babies, but ‘Another Kiss is so special to me,” says Lathren. “I love the dynamics of the song and the brevity of, yet how impactful, the lyrics. But truly I love this song so much because the band, along with producer/engineer John Furr, were able to create what was in my head so closely – the sonic juxtaposition of the prelude to and the actual event of losing control. And many times that’s what artists are chasing, whether it be film, physical art mediums, or music – it’s that vision in your head. That’s what I am always chasing and this song gets there.”
For the video, Lathren embarked on an inward journey, meticulously sifting through an archive of thousands of photographs. This montage presents both the breathtaking allure and the poignant chronology of existence. Despite the deeply personal nature of the video, it resonates universally, echoing the collective consciousness. In a striking parallel to our own lives – those landmark instances are immortalized, and as the narrative unfurls, the pace quickens, mirroring the elusive acceleration of time we so often perceive.
“Ever since this song was written, I have envisioned a video that presents life on a timeline with the pressing urgency that comes with time seeming to move faster as one ages, as we all experience,” he says. “I was elated (and a little surprised) that I was able to get that vision pulled off so succinctly, yet eloquently, in my opinion.”
Vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Jame Lathren breathed life into Candy Coffins in 2018. A cultural maverick; Lathren’s resilient spirit, his keen sensitivity, and his acute awareness of his emotional state would ultimately seep into his music, striking right at the core of the emotions that govern the human experience.
Following the dissolution of his band Crown The Cake, he created Candy Coffins alongside local guitar luminary Tom Alewine (Bachelors of Art). Seasoned bassist Alex Mabrey, keyboardist Justin Purdy, and drummer Jonathan Bradley (Iron & Wine) further enriched the ensemble. Their layered, dynamic approach lends a richness to the band’s signature sound, amplifying the emotional depth of Lathren’s songwriting and delivery.
With respectful nods to luminaries like Joy Division, The Cure, The Psychedelic Furs, and The Cult, as well as The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Spiritualized, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Interpol, the sonic tapestry woven by Candy Coffins is one of darkness and emotional turbulence, interspersed with strands of hope and exhilaration. Their sound, audaciously unique, offers a refreshing sanctuary amidst a sea of musical uniformity.
Mixed by David Barbe (Drive-By Truckers, Superchunk, Deerhunter) at Chase Park Transduction (Athens, Georgia), the ‘Once Do It With Feeling‘ album was produced and engineered by John Furr (E.Z. Shakes, Flippants) at Pow Pow Sound.
The ‘Once Do It With Feeling’ LP is out now and is available everywhere digitally -and Bandcamp, where it can be ordered directly from the artist. Candy Coffins will be playing a series of shows this spring-summer – more information and tickets are available here.
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