(5th January) –– Bristol-based ones to watch DAMEFRISØR have released their new single ‘D.O.D.” – the second track to be lifted from the band’s upcoming debut EP ‘Island of Light – out 24th February via Permanent Creeps Records.
New EP ‘Island of Light’ was produced by Alex Greaves (Working Men’s Club, bdrmm, Lice) and recorded at The Nave Studios in Leeds. The EP arrives ahead of upcoming dates with Lynks and VLURE, as well as a headline tour of their own in March with stops in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Portsmouth, Bristol and London.
Harnessing the emotive power of club and dance alongside the texturally rich industrial post-rock they’re well renowned for, DAMEFRISØR (pronounced dame-eh-frizz-yuor) are a compelling proposition on all fronts.
New single “D.O.D” offers the most succinct example of their powers to date – with its lyrics zeroing in on notions of loneliness. Welding facets of shoegaze and spiralling electronica with a compelling blend of post-punk and industrial post-rock, vocalist Kazhi Jahfar commented further on the lyrical themes of the new single:
“D.O.D. is about feeling invisible. The song talks about the feeling of going through something but feeling as though no one is aware of your existence. Loneliness in cities is a recurring theme across the record, musically I feel like the song explores the intensity of trying to be seen with all efforts amounting to nothing. Lyrically it’s a sort of internal monologue reacting to the stressful atmosphere created by that feeling.”
DAMEFRISØR’s captivating live set has already seen them support such names as; Squid, the Umlauts, JOHN, Folly Group, Katy J Pearson, Walt Disco and more – as well as sets on the main-stage of Bristol Dot to Dot Festival, Cardiff’s Sŵn Festival and Dark Arts in Leeds.
Behind the recording of the EP was the emphasis to expand upon the band’s sound and Jahfar states how their choice of producer (Alex Greaves) was key in this:
“The EP really feels like a natural progression since the last two singles came out. We set out to writethesesongswiththeintentionofcreatingmorespaceinourmusic,andtofurtherexplorethe mix of natural and industrial sounds. Before getting to the studio to record, the songs were in a basic stage; the ideas were there but far from formed.”“WorkingwithAlexreallybroughtthesesongstogether,hehadsomegreatideasandtechniques that strongly contributed to making our ideas becomea reality. Beingable to spend time working on each individual element in great depths has resulted in a record that we’re all really proud of, and equally grateful to Alex for helping to bring our ideas to life.”
The lyrics on the EP were written as a collaborative effort between singer Kazhi Jahfar and drummer Nyle Dowd; drawing inspiration from observations and their own experiences. They follow themes of; different types of characters that you come across in everyday life, perceptions of the general public, and how we as people can imagine the public viewing themselves.
Meanwhile, the band sought the help of London based artist, Greg Orrom Swan to help conceive the visuals to accompany the music. “We instantly fell in love with Greg’s work, and his ability to create images that combine the organic with the digital which we felt fitted perfectly with the sonic themes across the record”.
Cyanotype; the process used for the EP’s cover uses sunlight and iron salt solutions, a process which produces varying and unique results something that is reflected in the band’s music, as Kazhi notes “…thisprocessresonated withus because wetendtouse alotof modular synth in our music writing, and we love how the randomised nature of the artwork relates to elements of the music on the EP.”
DAMEFRISØR‘s debut EP ‘Island Of Light’ is out 24th February and available to preorder on exclusive “cyano blue” vinyl from Rough Trade here (limited to 100). Also available on “ulexite white” vinyl here. New single “D.O.D.” is out now via Permanent Creeps Records. DAMEFRISØRtour the UK in March and support Lynks and VLURE at The Exchange in Bristol on 3rd March.
DAMEFRISØR
‘Island Of Light’ EP – out 24th February 2023 track list1. D.O.D.
2. The Grip
3. Above Board
4. 52a
5. Horizon (Extended Mix)
Tour Dates
3rd March – The Exchange, Bristol (w/ Lynks & VLURE)
4th March – Broadcast, Glasgow
5th March – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
7th March – YES (Basement), Manchester
8th March – The Windmill, London
9th March – The Loft, Portsmouth
15th March – Rough Trade, Bristol
DAMEFRISØR are;
Kazhi Jahfar (Vocals)
Nyle Dowd (Drums & Percussion)
Garin Curtis (Guitar)
Jamie Brown (Guitar)
Sam Nobbs (Synth)
Megan Jenkins (Bass)
New EP ‘Island of Light’ out 24th February via Permanent Creeps Records
– Produced by Alex Greaves (Working Men’s Club, bdrmm, LICE)
– Upcoming support dates with Lynks and VLURE + March Headline Tour (tickets)
