Clemencie – Formal Wear (2023)
One of the things I enjoy about writing for The Other Side Reviews is discovering new talent. They may be established artists who have been around for decades or a solo artist beginning their career a few months ago; either way, it’s amazing. One of the most exciting discoveries I have made this year is the UK-based quintet Clemencie. While new to my ears, Clemencie has been making its mark on the UK live music scene performing at notable venues and festivals such as Glastonbury and the Yamaha Music Showcase. In fact, vocalist Grace Bland was a finalist at The Open Mic UK competition in 2020 held at the O2 London.
Officially formed in January 2022, Clemencie releases its debut single ‘Formal Wear’ to the masses this month. Blending elements of indie-rock with synth-pop there is a hard-hitting tone to this otherwise mellow single. Interestingly enough, while Clemencie retains a modern-day indie-rock/indie-pop tune, the melody and Grace’s vocals bring a tinge of 80s pop to the tune. Pounding drums match dynamic guitars while a silky synth slivers in the back of the arrangement. Yet, while each instrument comes together in a harmonic whole, they also have an individual presence.
Recorded with engineers Mild Ferreira-Hayes (mixing) and Matthew Parisi (mastering) at Somerset’s Bert Jansch Studio, ‘Formal Wear’ is a sophisticated song oozing elegance in its perfect textures. While maturity is heard in the arrangement and production, the group slather a raw innocence over the melody bringing an edgy grittiness to the track. I find this intriguing as the rougher sonic sprinkles align with the complex, intimate and desperate message of ‘Formal Wear’.
“The track discusses the disappointment of realising that the person you used to date now only exists in the memories you have together. You want to comfort them and share in grieving the relationship but it’s fruitless as you no longer know each other” – Clemencie on ‘Formal Wear’ (interview with RGM)
For more from Clemencie, check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
