Esben And The Witch - Marching Song

With their first release on Matador, Esben And The Witch can claim to be the first British band in at least 10 years to be signed by the renowned indie label. Quite an achievement, and quality of this three-song EP is justification for it.

The lead track, ‘Marching Song’, is all ominous minor chord malevolence, a tense crescendo pushed forward by Siouxsie Sioux sounding vocals. It’s worth taking a look at the video for the song, which features the band members’ faces getting progressively more bloodied and bruised. It fits perfectly with the music, you can feel the power and violence building up but you never see the punches connect.

The other two tracks on the EP create similar sensations but without the same intensity. They are veiled in dark, dreamy synths and echoey guitar. Perhaps it’s no surprise that the band comes from Brighton, as the songs are haunted with the faded enchantment of Victorian seaside towns.

It’s impressive that they can make music that produces such a sense on unease while still being enjoyable to listen to. There are a few other acts, such as Fever Ray and Salem, who have cracked this formula, and Esben And The Witch are clearly capable of casting the same spell over the listener.