Esben and the Witch
photo source: Paper Tissue
Minutes, hours even, I have spent in the company of Esben and the Witch’s music. And throughout, I’ve felt like I’ve totally understood their sound, to an intimate level, so much so that I had this phrase coined to perfectly describe their music: “Nightmare pop”. Yes, perfect, I thought. As a music “journo” it’s always very gratifying when you write something down and get this great sense of self-satisfaction. But then, mere seconds later, to my disbelief, I glanced sideways from the music player on their myspace profile, towards the “band quote” which sits pretty next to a promotional picture. There, innocently gazing back at me are the words “nightmare pop”. I’ve been beaten to it, time to stop feeling so smug.
Esben and the Witch face no such problem. Nobody’s pipped them to the post in doing what they do. It’s an entirely unique and fascinating combination of twisted ideas and unbelievably spacious and inventive production.
Angela Carter-esque contorted and terrifying imagery is placed at the heart of every song on the three piece’s debut EP: “33“. You can feel yourself getting nervous, tetchy as the eerie core of ‘Marching Song’ approaches. In the midst of it all is well placed gadgetry which will no doubt draw comparisons to The Xx, but in contrary to their contemporary, Esben and the Witch collect and then respectively collapse a much thicker, more frantic atmosphere.
Sound-wise, they could go absolutely anywhere. Regardless of their destination, they will remain developmental and ground-breaking, to the extent of which they are now. Their background, love of literature and upbringing in the cultured Brighton, all adds to the package. You can hear whimpers of Jacob’s Stories, Bat For Lashes in some songs — artists who master this morbid, melancholic vibe. Esben…’s debut album, which must emerge one day, will be one of the darkest, most chilling records for some time. Mark my words.
(JM)
mp3// Marching Song
MFM @ HYPEM
