Queenie Emerges Stronger in 'New Moult'
Queenie's latest release, "New Moult", is a transformative journey through a diverse spectrum of emotions and experiences. The album, brimming with raw, unfiltered energy, showcases Queenie's ability to express and explore her deeply personal narratives into universally relatable themes. With 11 tracks that blend the genres of rock, indie, twang, and pop, creating a sound that is just as diverse as the Queen herself, "New Moult" is a strong expression of reinvention, resilience and a move in the right direction.
The album opens with "Not Devine", a track that immediately sets the tone for the album with its slow melodic intro and hauntingly beautiful vocals. The track shows a vulnerable and emotional depth to her lyricism."Everything Sucks" is a crowd favourite, getting released earlier in the year, it stands as an anthem filled with angst and heartbreak.
"This was written during lockdown after breaking up with my partner of 10 years. I was suddenly without the best friend I'd had since I was 16 and navigating a world that had just locked down amidst a global pandemic. Without the usual avenues to cope with a relationship ending; socialising, drowning my sorrows, distractions. I was left to sit with my feelings day after day in a house I wasn't allowed to leave. In the most uncertain time of our lives on a global scale, I was forced to process a rollercoaster of emotions head-on. It was one of the hardest things I've faced, but I believe I'm much better for it. I learned a lot in those 12 months, and it was the start of a long but worthwhile healing process."
"The Curse" is its own beast, blending moody instrumentals, funky choruses, and the emotional vulnerability we heard within the first few tracks. The song's funky atmosphere complements "Ain't No Shame", which has hints of Americana, angst, and an unstoppable guitar riff, this is not one to miss.
As "New Moult" progresses, tracks like "Eggshells" and "Don't Work No More" explore themes of fragility and exhaustion. Eggshells is a delicate piece that captures the thoughts of being exhausted and stuck in a never-ending loop of life, while "Don't Work No More" is a soft tone, showcasing Queenie's vocals as its main centrepiece, accompanied by soft melodies.
The album's latter half shifts gears with "Gently" and "Damn City", where Queenie blends soulful melodies with a gentle acoustic undertone. "Gently" offers a soothing, almost meditative experience, providing a moment of calm amidst the rollercoaster ride "New Moult".
"Damn City" paints a vivid picture of urban isolation; the lyrics vividly convey the pain and fear of death with an overall message of 'trying'.The closing tracks, "Diamonds", "Mama" and "Son", bring "New Moult" to a powerful conclusion.
If the album hasn't already brought tears to your eyes, "Mama" and "Son" will likely be the moment that does. These final songs' raw emotion and poignant storytelling deliver a heart-wrenching end to Queenie's powerful narrative "New Moult".