Drawing influence from the musical genius of such artists as Jimmy Eat World, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Foals, the party of four, Venus Demilo, have gifted us with a brand new EP called Northern Lights.
Lockdown quizzing has me searching for niche information wherever I can find it, so I just had to discover the meaning behind the band name. Venus de Milo, the original wording, is an ancient Greek statue of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. If anyone fancies doing a replica statue of me, I’m up for it. Chelsey: British goddess of gravy and wine. There’s a gap in the Louvre for that masterpiece, surely. Anyway, Aphrodite would be proud. Northern Lights is jam-packed full of passion and heart. Topics of life and love arise throughout as we’re taken on a poetic, alt-pop journey. Let’s get stuck in.
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Northern Lights
Once upon a time, Venus Demilo wrote a ridiculously incredible track with a hypnotic, fairytale opening. Tom Anderson’s impressive vocals are exposed in the beginning only accompanied by a sweet synth. The minimalist start doesn’t last. Reverberated electric guitar, bass, drums and harmonies steadily infiltrate. The growing intensity awakens those little music-loving goosebumps, and they’re kicked into fuzzy overdrive when the song explodes with the unity of every vocal and instrumental element. I know, right? More!
Purpose
This track is more chilled and ballad-like in style. Heartfelt vocals with a lyrical storytelling element continue, accompanied by clapping drum beats and electric guitar which takes on a whole broken-hearted persona of its own. Someone cuddle Josh Adams. Actually, we can’t do that right now. Here, have an elbow bump instead.
Déjà Vu
Venus Demilo definitely listened to Parliament when they sang “we need the funk, gotta have that funk”. No, sadly I’m not talking about Boris Johnson and his mates. They’re still telling everyone to stay at home, so please do. Déjà Vu invites you to get down, and I challenge you to resist.
Penniless
Relatable and uplifting, Penniless is another one to flail around your house to, but give those funky hips a rest and pass the dancing baton to your inner pop-punk rocker. This is an energetic song with an inspiring, empathic message about making sacrifices in the pursuit of dreams. I love this. It makes me smile about being poor. I didn’t think that was remotely possible.
Bones
The EP reaches a beautiful, stripped back, acoustic end. Tom’s mighty fine vocals are completely exposed. It hits you right in the feels. The vulnerability is inspiring, and the emotion, palpable. I need a good cup of tea and a happy cry. Maybe something covered in gravy. Definitely a glass of wine.
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Venus Demilo is hands down my favourite discovery of 2020. I’m blown away by the insane talent. Every single track is beautifully written from the heart, masterfully composed and oozing with energy, pride and passion.
Tom has been live streaming on Instagram to the absolute delight of us all at Independent Music News, but when the lockdown is over, we’re hopeful for gigs popping up across the UK. Please! Thank you. Seriously, guys, it’s been an honour and a pleasure.
