REVIEW: STRIXEN and their latest single, ‘Heartsick’
STRIXEN are Sheffield’s own darkwave duo, consisting of Julie Bellemann (vocals / guitar / visuals & projections) and Dave Cuthbertson (vocals / guitar / programming & production) who - fun fact - you may also know from local band Shelley Byron. Although quite a different vibe, the duo swap melancholy pop tunes for heavy guitars and synths with their talent for music production and creating intricate soundscapes shining through on latest single, ‘Heartsick’.
In latest track, STRIXEN’s use of dark synths creates a sci-fi-esque soundscape which sounds almost straight from another world. Opening with an ominous, atmospheric intro consisting of whirring synths and a pounding bass drum, it doesn’t quite mimic a heartbeat, but still conveys some very effective, sinister suspense. This intense sound continues until harsh guitars break through to provide a dramatic and unsettling riff, whilst punchy drums construct a familiar post-punk feel that’s tinged with gothic horror and nods to My Bloody Valentine.
Heartsick is all about obsession and its power to consume you, with this idea conveyed through lyrics such as “I got blood on my shirt from a psychological wound” and “a grimace to grace the abyss I find myself in” conjuring up dark ideas of feeling lost because you’ve lost yourself to obsession. Julie and Dave’s dual harmonies provide a haunting atmosphere as they flit between a deadpan and desperate delivery, mirroring the numbness and dissociation of your mind when you become obsessed, to the desperate plea to return to reality.
The emotion creeps through with each chorus, as the synths and guitars continue to deliver a powerful and vivid soundscape. Providing a flowing list of states and emotions with “I think I've found the cure for hunger, anger, ambition, remorse, guilt, fear, worry, doubt, sorry, compassion, feel nothing at all except…”, it cuts off suddenly, as the guitars cut in sharply - except what? This reflects the pure yet messy and uncontrolled nature of obsession. The track’s instrumental interludes mimic the psychedelic chaos and dissociation of your mind when obsession takes over, perfectly conveying feelings of being lovesick and going crazy. The list suggests how you can just about deal with all of life’s other difficult emotional states but are yet to find a cure and to recover from heartsickness that consumes you, with the track ending on “nothing at all except, you”, as Julie and Dave’s vocals fade aptly into the emotional despair.
‘Heartsick’ delivers all the dark synth vibes alongside a wealth of emotion in a way that’s sure to give you goosebumps. To hear STRIXEN play this track in a dark room filled with dreamy visuals would be a pleasure; plus, the chorus is perfect for a room full of people to cathartically shout together, just saying.
You can listen to ‘Heartsick’ here. You can also catch STRIXEN at our (as-always) free monthly Jarred Up show at The Washy on Thursday, supporting Manchester trio, The Cutter.
Words: Megan Wood
