"She was drinking local boutique gin, in a bar called paradise / They were dressed like Rasputin, in a bar where no one looks twice..."
The jazz dipped existential indie rock dread of "A Bar Called Paradise" by Wounded Lovers, a three-piece band led by vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Iain Fenwick, feels like a time traveling provocative trip maybe made out of cigarettes and sips of Lean. The vibey even drunken stumble feels comely, the music having a tropicalia of orchestral pop, samba sways with girl boy vocals. The aural moonlight feels very brit-tone 1967 with the 'boy' vocals (Fenwick) bathed in layers that don't quite match giving the sense of mental echos / obtuse tensions where the 'girl' vocals (Lucca Mae) are not but just sad and gorgeous and again, sort of vintage 60's girl pop meets R&B jazziness (love the sound of her voice) and then all hell breaks loose.
Loving the kind of double time up tempo rock sound, like a clash of well The Clash and the Rolling Stones or thereabouts. Absolute artful mayhem and the images of guns, ambulances and unbridled youth cut short.
"They let out a scream that would wake the dead
In a bar called paradiseOh god the walls are covered blood red
In a bar called paradise
They dropped tom the floor and covered their heads
In a bar called paradise
They let out a scream that would raise the dead
In a bar called paradise"
The shifting sonic narrative is brilliant as you are first lulled into a false sense of security which mirrors the terrifying nature of this song which is inspired by mass shootings in public places. "A Bar Called Paradise" is from Wounded Lovers' latest album "West End Intoxica".
LINER NOTES (excerpted and bracketed):
[A thematic album, "West End Intoxica" explores concepts of mortality, youth and the lure of the big City. As a born and bred Londoner, the record acts as a biographical love letter seen through the eyes of Fenwick, as he reflects on the dark side to the city and how people get lost along the way. An album highlight, 'A Bar Called Paradise' tells the story about a shooting in a bar with youthful revellers innocently caught up in the tragedy. Melding the sumptuous soulful vocals of Lucca Mae with scratchy, in your face rock riffs, 'A Bar Called Paradise’ underlines the strength of Fenwick’s songwriting skills. The eclectic nature of the album becomes apparent to the listener with each passing track. 'Club Bongo International', infusing elements of ska and punk, highlights the musical chops of both Jassi and Miles, as Fenwick reminisces about night buses back from London clubs, where fights broke out over mob fashion. While 'Strung Out Memories', oozing a warm, blusey, reflective mood, is about Fenwick's memories and observations of troubled teenagers, fractious brothers and West London gang culture.]
While I have not delved into the album as of yet, this track feels so exquisitely filmic. Sonic imagery full of verve, romance and unspeakable violence like an indie flick directed by Shane Meadows.
-Robb Donker Curtius
THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM
https://soundcloud.com/abadgeoffriendship/blink-of-an-eye-ver-2/s-j5jOUPoLGKN
Fiercely opinionated and unwilling to compromise on sound or vision, Wounded Lovers are a band borne out of volatility. Despite this, they follow their own path, regardless of what is considered to be en vogue. This diversity was exhibited through the making of the record, with Fenwick and co-producer Rob Millis battling to find solutions when they initially had conflicting views on a number of artistic decisions. Nevertheless, the effort has ultimately been rewarding, with Fenwick viewing debut album West End Intoxica as the first part of a trilogy.
A thematic album, "West End Intoxica" explores concepts of mortality, youth and the lure of the big City. As a born and bred Londoner, the record acts as a biographical love letter seen through the eyes of Fenwick, as he reflects on the dark side to the city and how people get lost along the way. An album highlight, 'A Bar Called Paradise' tells the story about a shooting in a bar with youthful revellers innocently caught up in the tragedy. Melding the sumptuous soulful vocals of Lucca Mae with scratchy, in your face rock riffs, 'A Bar Called Paradise’ underlines the strength of Fenwick’s songwriting skills. The eclectic nature of the album becomes apparent to the listener with each passing track. 'Club Bongo International', infusing elements of ska and punk, highlights the musical chops of both Jassi and Miles, as Fenwick reminisces about night buses back from London clubs, where fights broke out over mob fashion. While 'Strung Out Memories', oozing a warm, blusey, reflective mood, is about Fenwick's memories and observations of troubled teenagers, fractious brothers and West London gang culture.
The breadth of creativity strewn throughout the album is testament to the extensive list of guest talented singers and musicians. They include Laurie Wright (vocals), Eddie Philps (lead guitar, backing vocals), Claire Ten Grotenhuis (vocals), Sam Scarrot (lead guitar), Andy Bones (sax), Nathan Thomas (French horn), Amit Rai Sharma (mixing, piano, sonics, artwork) and Rob Millis (co-producer, keys). Wounded Lovers will support the release of the record with an appearance at High Tide Festival on 27th July as well as a number of show’s throughout the summer, before recording their sophomore album at the end of the year.
West End Intoxica is out on 25th July via Loose Rooster Records.
Wounded Lovers are a three-piece band led by vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, Iain Fenwick. Having cut his teeth touring the London circuit throughout the 90s, Fenwick leant on his extensive list of contacts to bring 'the old band back together’ to support his Roosterville Charity gigs. Initially reforming in its original incarnation of 90s group The Moriartys, the band morphed into Wounded Lovers in 2010 when bassist Rick Jassi joined Fenwick and Paul Miles (drum, backing vocals) to complete the line-up.
Fiercely opinionated and unwilling to compromise on sound or vision, Wounded Lovers are a band borne out of volatility. Despite this, they follow their own path, regardless of what is considered to be en vogue. This diversity was exhibited through the making of the record, with Fenwick and co-producer Rob Millis battling to find solutions when they initially had conflicting views on a number of artistic decisions. Nevertheless, the effort has ultimately been rewarding, with Fenwick viewing debut album West End Intoxica as the first part of a trilogy.
A thematic album, "West End Intoxica" explores concepts of mortality, youth and the lure of the big City. As a born and bred Londoner, the record acts as a biographical love letter seen through the eyes of Fenwick, as he reflects on the dark side to the city and how people get lost along the way. An album highlight, 'A Bar Called Paradise' tells the story about a shooting in a bar with youthful revellers innocently caught up in the tragedy. Melding the sumptuous soulful vocals of Lucca Mae with scratchy, in your face rock riffs, 'A Bar Called Paradise’ underlines the strength of Fenwick’s songwriting skills. The eclectic nature of the album becomes apparent to the listener with each passing track. 'Club Bongo International', infusing elements of ska and punk, highlights the musical chops of both Jassi and Miles, as Fenwick reminisces about night buses back from London clubs, where fights broke out over mob fashion. While 'Strung Out Memories', oozing a warm, blusey, reflective mood, is about Fenwick's memories and observations of troubled teenagers, fractious brothers and West London gang culture.
The breadth of creativity strewn throughout the album is testament to the extensive list of guest talented singers and musicians. They include Laurie Wright (vocals), Eddie Philps (lead guitar, backing vocals), Claire Ten Grotenhuis (vocals), Sam Scarrot (lead guitar), Andy Bones (sax), Nathan Thomas (French horn), Amit Rai Sharma (mixing, piano, sonics, artwork) and Rob Millis (co-producer, keys). Wounded Lovers will support the release of the record with an appearance at High Tide Festival on 27th July as well as a number of show’s throughout the summer, before recording their sophomore album at the end of the year.
West End Intoxica is out on 25th July via Loose Rooster Records.
Wounded Lovers, indie rock, retro rock, jazz dips, art punk, alt rock, filmic music, storytelling, rock tropicalia, guitarist / songwriter Iain Fenwick, "A Bar Called Paradise" Official Video, new album "West End Intoxica",
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