Julian Laws
A Popular Music (Falmouth University) graduate currently based just outside of Bristol. A voracious reader, meticulous Letterboxd reviewer and lover of all things music. Consistently championing often ignored upcoming artists from Cornwall and the South West music scene to show what amazing talent can be found outside of the big cities!
Ahead of their upcoming album by the same name Brighton alt/indie titans, allure and hypnotise in this, their latest single – ‘The Head Tree‘.
A band who consistently release belters, Opus Kink create discourse around important happenings, with their latest track; from politics, to love, to rage and joy. Much like Maruja, they do this by creating songs with belt and bark. ‘The Head Tree‘ is no different, with brass parts that seem to have been plucked from the depth of an underworld that only the band are privy too. ‘The Head Tree‘ achieves a distinct and otherworldly feel for the listener.
The song is about reforming, changing shape and being many things all at once. With lyrics such as “I’ve been a sword in battle and the string in a harp” and “I’ve been a multitudes of shade before I assumed a consistent form”, ringing true and hitting home, bolstered by The New Eves‘ vocal delivery.
Like Madra Salach, DEADLETTER and even Lankum, the songs flit between a dirge and an alt indie track. It chugs along effortlessly, solidifying Opus Kink in their new era ahead of the album. The song is full of texture, with parts playing with and against one another. All the time new sounds are blasting and memorable motifs are being introduced throughout. With each new listen, you are enveloped further into the magic and mystery of it all. The sub bounces and propels the brass parts that soar over head. The collective vocals of the band and The New Eves sit in the middle to chant and stab, hurtling the single’s subject matter along.
For fans new and old, ‘The Head Tree‘, will struggle to disappoint.
Listen to ‘The Head Tree‘ here: