CHD
This makes me think of two lovers on the edge of town in some sort of David Lynchian scenario. The sun is down, and the liquor store is across the street." Go get us a bottle baby".
Drab Majesty's first ever release was the 2012 self-released cassette tape "Unarian Dances". Originally limited to 100 copies, tracks from this tape would eventually make their way onto the Completely Careless CD collection as bonus cuts. Now, along with the "Unknown to the I" 12" also released on May 21, these songs are finally made available on vinyl in 45 RPM 12" format, bringing all early Drab Majesty material from the Careless era (2012-2015) to vinyl. Mastered by Josh Bonati with beautiful new packaging by Nathaniel Young.
Drab Majesty is the project of Deb DeMure, the androgynous alter-ego of L.A.-based musician Andrew Clinco and partner Mona D. With its combination of reverb-drenched guitars, synth bass lines, commanding vocals, and rhythmic drum machine beats, this project is a stark departure from Clinco’s previous stints as drummer in Marriages and Black Mare. Dubbed “Tragic Wave” and “Mid-Fi” by DeMure, Drab Majesty eloquently blends classic 80s New Wave and hints of early 4AD with a futuristic originality.
A talented multi-instrumentalist, DeMure composes all of the elements of Drab Majesty. However, rather than taking personal credit for the music, DeMure insists that the inspiration for the songs is received from an other-worldly source and that Deb is merely a vessel through which outside ideas flow inward. But Drab Majesty is more than just a musical project — it’s a methodical experiment in the identity of creativity. The character Deb DeMure is an enigma that eludes all expectations of gender and ego. When DeMure’s imposing 6’ 4” figure assumes the stage, Deb’s playful, harlequin-esque appearance, tempered by an ominous body language, and clashing with the dreamy, ethereal melodies comes across as a web of contrasts. The result is a perfect balance between seemingly conflicting messages, between the high and the low, the drab and the divine.
credits
released July 19, 2012
Recorded and produced by Deb DeMure
Additional vocals on tracks 2 and 4 by Emma Ruth Rundle
Mixed and mastered by RIck Mabery at The Barn Music Studio in Agoura, CA
supported by 80 fans who also own “Unarian Dances”
This record is RAW
For real, the description tells all. Pulls no punches, says it straight. I appreciate the forthright approach and utter disdain for ambiguity.
Just saw them in Vancouver. They did not, so far as I could tell, play even a single track from this record. I believe this is testament to the verity of this EP; singing the words "Twice Her Age" and "Rapist A-List" is probably a hard gamble whilst on the road
Nonetheless, this record whips ass and you should pay triple for it asap. hologram_sam
supported by 74 fans who also own “Unarian Dances”
It's uncanny just how good Actors is at emulating that Post-Punk synth sound from my younger days.
Each listen just gets better and better. I feel slightly ashamed for not having heard this album until a few short days ago. modestwriggles
On their 10th record, the Glasgow-based group serves up more wonderfully menacing, gothy synthpop, perfect for dungeon dancing. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 19, 2023