I’ve been looking forward to the release of this EP since I discovered London-based psych rock act Wednesday’s Child for this blog in March. As the name suggests, Seven Sister is seven tales, each focussing on women. If the evidence of the singles released so far are anything to go by, we’re in for a treat.
By Graeme Smith
The seven women who inspired Seven Sisters are music legend Billie Holiday, silent era actress Theda Bara, visual artist Paula Rego, actor Julia Baudet, the eponymous hero of Alice In Wonderland, The Ronettes’ Ronnie Spector and ancient Greek muse Terpsichore. It’s a rich and eclectic look back but it comments on today as much as it’s historical.
The EP opens with Billie, a short and punky intro that acts as a chanting mantra. The poetic vocals are interspersed with clattering instrumentals. It’s wonderfully intriguing and really draws you in. Previously released single Theda follows. With its pacy and catchy melody, and storytelling lyrics, it’s an early highlight.
Paula gives us a sultry, jazzy moment before launching into something vibrantly vaudevillian. Julia is bright and breezy. It perfectly creates the concept of a laidback, last-minute getaway. As it reaches its climax, there’s a change up and we get a full psychedelic freak out. It’s another highlight.
Alice plays out in the spirit of Lewis Carroll’s surreal novel, with quick-fire vocals and irreverent lyrics. Its instrumentals are wonderfully punchy. Ronnie feels contemplative, mixing classic rock and roll with something a little more experimental. Terpsichore closes things with theatrical pop rock.
I had high hopes for this EP, and Seven Sisters doesn’t disappoint. It has a wonderfully coherent narrative, all while pushing the boundaries of conventional wisdom. Wednesday’s Child live performance across its seven tracks is vibrant and sublime – it simply leaps out of the headphones at you. What stands out most, though, are the clever, well-observed, and important lyrics.
You can check out Seven Sisters below.