Baudelaire Reflect the Anarchy of Their Live Shows Through Debut Single, 'Prayers'

  Photography-@carlbattamsphoto

It is easy to pinpoint the modern renaissance of noise-rock and post-punk bands merely on recurring trends within music. Be it art, music or fashion, what was once attractive and contemporary for the time, and was able to capture the imagination and excitement of a youthful generation is probably able to do the same thirty, forty, fifty years down the line. The common bond between all 'successful' music subcultures is, amongst others, the need to be heard above the voice of authority.

However in such dark times, it is only apt that what the likes of the Pistols, Joy Division and The Fall were producing forty-plus years ago has made a resurgence through the likes of contemporary acts like Idles, Fontaines D.C and Shame to name a few. It seems that, through necessity if nothing else, these bands are using noise and energy to promote a positive message during times of political angst and uncertainty.

Amongst the various bands falling into this category that appear to be popping up throughout the UK music scene, Birmingham's Baudelaire are high on the watch-list for their chaotic live performances, and now for their debut single Prayers, released in early February. While the latest track adopts a lively pace throughout, along with a resounding beat supplied by percussionist Jacob Goodwin and fuzzy, layered guitar hooks that cut through the mix with a poignant clarity, both the melody and vocals of Prayers is laden with pop sensibilities. The track's undeniable catchiness paired with it's rawness and simplicity seals Prayers as an impressive debut for Baudelaire, and holds out as a promising insight into what the Birmingham six-piece are able to produce, as well as what they may have to offer further down the line.

I spoke with one of six, Baudelaire synth/keyboardist Arthur Jones about the writing and recording process of Prayers, notoriety achieved via their anarchic live shows and the musical direction and influence of the band's sound.

(DH) - Where are Baudelaire from and who does the band consist of?

(Arthur) - 'Baudelaire are a six-piece post-punk band from the Black Country. Danny Owen is our vocalist, Alex Walker and Liam Molineux play guitar. Jacob Goodwin drums, Liam Aston is our bassist and Arthur Jones provides synthesizer accompaniment.'

- How and when did Baudelaire come to meet and form?

- 'Liam and Alex developed the idea initially, then they went on to search for the right members for the sound we were trying to develop. We found Danny, Jacob, Arthur and the Liam (Baps) after a few line-up changes. From there, we've continued to develop on Baudelaire's musical style by fusing influences from post-punk, goth, industrial and darkwave artists.'

- It's only in recent months that Baudelaire has been present as a live band, however the excitement of your shows has seemingly punctured the Birmingham music scene. Why do you think this is?

- 'We've been lucky enough to work with and learn from some brilliant artists. Playing alongside established acts has really shown us how to improve our presence on stage and we're very grateful for this advice we've received. Additionally, we really enjoy bringing a lot of energy to our performances. We want to make sure everyone at the venue is having a good time and we want to show that attitude on stage.'

'Prayers'- Photography @carlbattamsphoto

- You've recently released your debut single, Prayers. When did the song come together?

- 'The song's first draft was written over the initial lock-down in the UK. From there it continued to develop as we cemented the line-up of Baudelaire as we know it today. As we found the right line-up, everyone added their character, articulations, and timbre to the song which gave it a new feeling from the original idea.'

(DANNY)- 'In terms of lyrics, there's a bit if me mixed in there but it also draws from a couple of my influences. I think I was reading The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde when we wrote it, which may have had some influence- certainly in the narrative of it. It's dark, misanthropic, toxic and quite romantic, but i think sums up the tone of the track pretty well.'

- What was the recording process like behind the new single?

- 'It was our great privilege to work with legendary Gavin Monaghan (Blinders, Goldblade) on Prayers. He seemed very keen to work on the song after we sent him there demo last year. Getting into Magic Garden Studios was a dream come true. Getting to see the process of a song that took a lot of work to get right, whilst implementing the dark industrial tastes of the producer, was incredibly rewarding for us.'

- As a band with both anarchic live energy as well as melancholic lyricism and an abrasive rhythm section, it would be apt to suggest that Baudelaire take inspiration from the punk and post-punk bands of the late seventies and eighties. Which artists would you cite as influences on both Prayers, and on your overall sound?

- 'I think it's very clear we're all big Joy Division fans but the industrial feel of the music is inspired by more contemporary artists like Soft Kill, Boy Harsher and of course, Nine Inch Nails. Alex takes a lost of his playing style from Interpol and The Murder Capital while Liam takes his guitar playing inspiration from Girl Band and Daughters. Jacob's shrine to Stephen Morris is no secret and I think our bassist's metal inspirations are present in most things we write.

Singer Danny's fasciantion with the great new-wave and post-punk vocalists of the early 1980's like Billy Mackenzie, Morrissey and Mark E Smith is quite evident in our sound, both melodically and in terms of Gothic style lyrics.'

- Would you say that the chaos and energy of your live shows comes through within Prayers?

- 'We hope so. It's a song that represents our style. Punk with bite and grit, infused with electronica, that evokes a sense of unease and tension.'

- When can fans expect to hear a follow up to Prayers?

- 'Some time in April...'

Listen to 'Prayers' now on all major music platforms.