From the attractive shores of Mystic, CT, emerges Delta of Venus, a four-piece powerhouse that defies conventional songwriting with their reimagined vision of shoegaze and indie pop. With a sound that dissolves boundaries and a narrative woven from raw emotion, the band—comprising Issy on vocals, Mat Tarbox on bass and sequencers, Shawn Fake on drums, and Ellery Twining on guitar—crafts sonic architectures that resonate deeply with the soul. Their latest release, “Disengaged b/w Slipping,” published on November 26, marks a significant reintroduction, showcasing their mastery in creating immersive, emotionally charged landscapes.
“Disengaged” opens with the disarming line, “I think I struck out again,” plunging you into a deep exploration of self-discovery and emotional liberation. Issy’s tender yet resolute vocal delivery elevates the introspective lyrics as she laments, “It was nice to have you here, but I think I need myself for a change.” Her voice is fragile, guiding you through a narrative of release and renewal.
The instrumentation mirrors this emotional journey, with Mat Tarbox’s hypnotic basslines and sequencer programming creating a meditative undercurrent. Ellery Twining’s layered guitar work ebbs and flows, painting textures of melancholy and resolution, while Shawn Fake’s drumming anchors the track with subtle precision. The production is a masterstroke of intimacy and polish, allowing each element to shine without overshadowing the other. The absence of traditional verse-chorus structures lends the song an organic, cyclical quality, capturing the essence of reflection and release.
In “Slipping,” Delta of Venus delves into the internal struggle of breaking free from self-doubt and external control. The opening lines, “Reel myself back in. This time can’t be different from the last,” immediately set a haunting tone, reflecting the weight of past missteps. Issy’s emotive delivery builds on this foundation, embodying vulnerability and defiance.
Instrumentally, the band achieves a dynamic interplay of tension and release. Mat Tarbox’s brooding basslines and Shawn Fake’s intricate drumming provide a steady, immersive backdrop, while Ellery Twining’s guitar lines swell and recede, echoing the ebb and flow of inner conflict. The repeated refrain, “Weigh it on, wait up, slow down, catch it. Hold on, let go, I’m slipping,” captures the push and pull of liberation with visceral intensity. The production accentuates this balance, maintaining clarity while immersing the listener in the track’s cathartic essence.
While “Disengaged” meditates on the bittersweet act of letting go, “Slipping” wrestles with the turbulence of self-trust and freedom. Both tracks are united by their refusal to conform to traditional song structures, offering a fluid, movement-driven approach that mirrors the band’s shoegaze ethos. The contrasting themes of release and resistance create a narrative duality, pulling you deeper into Delta of Venus’s world.
With “Disengaged b/w Slipping,” Delta of Venus has crafted a two-song offering that speaks to the complexities of the human experience. Their ability to blend emotive, introspective lyrics with intricate, textured instrumentation is a testament to their unique voice in the shoegaze and indie pop landscape. This is just the beginning for a band unafraid to push the boundaries of genre and create intimate and expansive music.
Listen to “Disengaged b/w Slipping” on Spotify
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