There are moments in music when a sound not only pulls you in but dissects your very essence, leaving you with something raw, familiar, and infinitely profound. Enter Delta of Venus, the indie pop and shoegaze quartet from the picturesque shores of Mystic, CT, whose musical vision defies the ordinary. After their hauntingly beautiful double A-side single “Disengaged b/w Slipping” made its debut on this blog in December last year, the band is back, unveiling the long-form music video for the release, which intricately reimagines the narrative of Joan of Arc’s resistance through a modern lens. This is no mere visual accompaniment—this is art in its purest, most intimate form.
From the first note, Delta of Venus takes you on a sonic journey where self-discovery and emotional liberation intertwine like waves lapping against the shore. Their unique ability to blur the lines of shoegaze and indie pop is a testament to their artistry, and with the release of “Disengaged b/w Slipping,” they offer us not only a soundtrack to our own emotional reflections but a soundtrack to a movement—a movement that is as personal as it is universal. With Issy’s voice at the helm, Delta of Venus guides us through their labyrinth of sound, offering a space where every note is woven from pure emotion.
The track “Disengaged” opens with a simple, yet poignant admission: “I think I struck out again.” It’s the perfect entry into a world where self-reflection takes center stage. Issy’s voice—fragile yet undeniably powerful—brings this vulnerability to life. Her delivery is tender yet resolute, evoking the delicate balance of sadness and hope. Lines like “It was nice to have you here, but I think I need myself for a change” resonate with a quiet liberation, as if, in those words, the listener is finally allowed to breathe.
The instrumental arrangement is masterful in its subtlety. Mat Tarbox’s basslines ripple through the track with an almost hypnotic quality, while his sequencer work provides a steady, meditative undercurrent. Ellery Twining’s guitar layers create textures that evoke both melancholy and moments of resolve, each riff ebbing and flowing like a reflection of the heart. Shawn Fake’s drumming anchors the song with a precise, almost imperceptible rhythm, allowing the song to breathe and evolve organically. The production here is seamless—intimate, yet polished to perfection. It’s a soundscape that doesn’t demand your attention, but rather, invites you to fall into it.
Where “Disengaged” is a gentle letting go, “Slipping” is a frantic dance with self-doubt and the internal struggle for freedom. The track opens with a haunting refrain: “Reel myself back in. This time can’t be different from the last.” Issy’s vocals here have an edge—a rawness that carries the weight of past missteps. There’s something cathartic in the way she sings, “Weigh it on, wait up, slow down, catch it. Hold on, let go, I’m slipping,” as though every word is an attempt to break free from the tight grip of inner turmoil.
The instrumentation in “Slipping” mirrors this inner conflict. Mat’s basslines brood underneath, grounding the song while Shawn’s drumming adds layers of complexity and tension. Ellery’s guitar weaves through the track like a ghost—sometimes pulling back, sometimes exploding in flashes of brilliance, echoing the push and pull of wanting to be free. The production here, much like its counterpart, is masterful—clear, but drenched in atmosphere, pulling you into the depths of the emotional struggle.
The music video for “Disengaged b/w Slipping” takes the already layered emotional landscape of the songs and transforms it into a cinematic narrative. Directed and filmed by Mystic’s own Michelle Gemma, the video reimagines the story of Joan of Arc had she lived beyond her nineteen years. Set in modern-day Mystic, CT, the video is a stunning reworking of historical resistance, now filtered through the lens of feminine power. The visuals are both intimate and powerful, carrying the themes of liberation and self-discovery that are so prevalent in the music. Watching the video, it’s impossible not to draw parallels between Joan’s journey and the internal struggles expressed in both tracks.
With this release, Delta of Venus shows us that they are not only musicians—they are storytellers, visionaries unafraid to explore the intricacies of human emotion and the courage it takes to break free. Their ability to blend evocative lyrics with captivating instrumentation creates a space where listeners can reflect, resonate, and ultimately be moved.
Overall, “Disengaged b/w Slipping” is not just a single; it’s a journey. With the band’s rich history of creating emotionally charged landscapes, this release serves as a bridge between where they’ve been and where they’re going. Delta of Venus has proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the indie pop and shoegaze realms, and their continued exploration of narrative, sound, and emotion suggests that they have only just begun to unveil the depths of their artistic potential. The story has just begun, and the music? Well, the music speaks for itself.
Listen to “Disengaged b/w Slipping” on Spotify and watch the video above
Follow Delta of Venus here for more information
