Saint Clare – Half Bad (2024)
Known for their hard-hitting live performances and confident melodies, Canada-based group Saint Clare is energetic, enthusiastic, entertaining, and always meaningfully engaging. Compared to the likes of the Pixies, The Cure, Husker Du and Reigning Sound, Matthew Saint Clare and his crew tap into various genres pushing the borders of conventionalism. This is my introduction to Saint Clare, so the blast of music pouring from my headphones was unexpected; however, I couldn’t be happier working through their discography. From the 2015 EP Moving On to the 2017 single ‘Closer To The Devil’, Saint Clare has a scintillating sound suited for fans of old-school and contemporary rock.
Following their 2018 EP, EP3, ‘Half Bad’ is Saint Clare’s first release in eight years. Recorded and produced at Quebec’s Studio Cimetiére with Mike Dubue, ‘Half Bad’ shifts to a slightly smoother, slower, gentler brand of post-punk with rock inflexions. Almost an evolution in Saint Clare’s sound, the hard-hitting punch of previous material is replaced by a whimsical, wistful tone; however, while it is softer, the music remains as hard-hitting and “punch in the face” as ever.
Combining the musical stylings of Matthew Saint Clare (vocals and guitar), Dan Larmour (guitar), Geoff Taylor (bass), Daniel DeVries (drums), Brad Sheffield (keyboard) and Morgan Grant (saxophone), listening to ‘Half Bad’ is like travelling through a dark sonic forest with bright lights skulking behind dark trees. Creeping you out but also leading you on, the track is filled with eerie vibes and vulnerable melancholy, yet there is a simultaneous shove of empowerment, hopefulness and “follow the bright light at the end of the tunnel” optimism.
“’Half Bad’ was written during the early months of the pandemic, in the midst of a devastating loss of a loved one. It’s a heartfelt song about life coming at you fast, what ifs, the harsh reality of mental health challenges that impact us all at some point in life, and a call out for love to carry us through periods of darkness.” – Matthew Saint Clare on ‘Half Bad’
In addition to the single, Saint Clare released an official music video for ‘Half Bad’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Saint Clare on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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