Emma Hunter – Love Is Not A Choice (2022)
Taking inspiration from artists like Portishead, The Shangri-Las, Imogen Heap, and the soundtracks of David Lynch films, UK-based Emma Hunter skates along flamenco music with a dark art-rock sound. Joining her is fellow musician and drummer Tom Bruce as they establish themselves on the Oxford gig circuit. Not only are they turning heads as performers, but they prove themselves outstanding as recording artists with their unique sound. The latest addition to their well-received discography is the single ‘Love Is Not A Choice’.
Touching on the theme of self-acceptance, ‘Love Is Not A Choice’ exposes the issues of judgement and intolerance – particularly when it comes to queer love. Intended to be a continuation of their track ‘Nightingale’ (a song about secret love), ‘Love Is Not A Choice’ celebrates the message that “love is love”. Hunter explains that this track is a song that “aims to stand up for anyone afraid to be themselves, to stand up for the right to love without fear or judgement.” Nightshift Magazine described Emma Hunter’s new single as “…an all-soaring melisma and impassioned siren call…” – and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Although, we will try.
Following their four-track EP Here I Go (released in 2021), ‘Love Is Not A Choice’ is an enigma of a tune. Weaving contemporary indie-rock through a flamenco-inspired sonic tapestry, Emma Hunter brings a charming edginess to a kaleidoscopic soundscape. Fiery and passionate, Hunter and Bruce attempt to find that balance between organic and synthetic with the acoustic and electric guitars, pounding drums and beats. A mixing pot of diverse styles and genres makes this single and Emma Hunter completely unique.
One of the things I love about Emma Hunter is the unabashed provocative nature of the melodies. ‘Nightingale’ opened this tale of secret love in softer jazz meets blues design, but ‘Love Is Not A Choice’ freely expresses the acceptance of being in love with a mighty bang. Obscure, intriguing and filled with sentimentality, Hunter and Bruce throw themselves into their music sparking personality in each song.
For more from Emma Hunter check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
