“Fangs on the Fragile”
Over the summer, Eric Raven and fellow New Jersey artist, Anemoia, released the single “Fangs on the Fragile.” The track features vocals from Raven and Anemoia’s vocalist, Kira Kelly. Raven released their debut album, The Shape of Pain, early 2023, showing off their wide range of skills. Even though this is only Anemoia’s third single, the duo already seems to have developed a signature sound. Together, Kelly and Raven blend their complimentary styles to create something haunting and powerful.
First and foremost, “Fangs on the Fragile” is a masterclass in using tension to create impactful music. By alternating between Kelly’s more muted tones and Eric Raven’s explosive style, the track is able to ebb and flow in intensity. The structure of the track leaves Kelly to take the lead during the verses. As it starts, a distorted synth bounces around over electro-punk beats to push the tempo forward, laying a solid foundation. Kelly’s vocal style fits in perfectly here, using more sultry tones to nestle within the instrumental structure. As the tension in the instrumentals increases, Kelly increases her volume and her own vocal intensity. Together, the vocals and the instrumentals bring the track to a peak, paving the way for a massive release.
Lyrically, Kelly and Raven are reclaiming their power. Up to this point, it’s clear someone has been holding them back, filling them with self-doubt. It’s time for Kelly and Raven to shed themselves of whoever is stifling them. As the verse reaches its natural climax, Raven swoops in to break the tension. The synth gives way to a gritty guitar line and a drumkit, and Kelly’s veiled vocals yield to Raven’s screams. The juxtaposition of the two styles creates a powerful shift, keeping the listener’s attention rapt. Kelly and Raven repeat this pattern again, bringing you through a rise and fall of emotion before the end. Heavy breathing creates space after the second chorus, allowing the breakdown during the final 25 seconds to shine all on its own. Rapid techno beats are accented with incessant high hats, with one final repeated line from Kelly.
As a New Jersey native myself, it’s always a point of pride when I can write about some local artists. Anemoia has an album release lined up for 2024, and Eric Raven put out another single in October. Both artists are only just getting started, so be sure to add them to your list of who to watch in 2024.
