Today marks the release of Soul Rot Forever, the companion EP to Artio's sophomore album Soul Rot. The EP contains four songs, three of which are re-imaginings of songs from the album, while the latest release is "Bloodless (-1)," and ebbing and flowing alt-rock effort.
Singer Rae Brazill is as raw as they've ever sounded here, picking their moments for belts and powerful delivery carefully. There is an unmistakable rage in this song, but it is a more emotionally compromised, heartbroken kind of fury found here. The second half of the song is a fuzzier, floating piece accompanied by a string section, with Brazill's pained cries of "Does this mean it's over?" pulling at every last heartstring in the process.
In all, it's a very different beast that Artio has created with this one, but damn if it doesn't work.
Check out the music video, directed by Brazill, below:
Soul Rot Forever is available now via LAB Records. Next month, Artio will put on their first-ever Seventh Sun Festival in their hometown of Leeds, England. Joining them on the bill are Omoia, Helle, Daisy Graves, IO, Breathing Below, and Twin Size. Tickets are available here.
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