VERA – Leave Me Alone (2024)
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Irish alt-rock, few bands have made as immediate and impactful an impression as VERA. Fronted by the incredible vocal talent of Sarah Toner, VERA’s latest single, ‘Leave Me Alone’, is a ferocious and empowering anthem that confronts the chaos of unwanted attention with unflinching honesty and style.
What began as a solo project for Sarah Toner, after a successful musical theatre career in London, quickly evolved into a full-fledged band upon her return to Northern Ireland. With the guidance of producer and manager Declan Legge, Toner began recording her original material at Analogue Catalogue Studios in 2023. These sessions marked a pivotal moment for her music, as they drew in the talents of producer/drummer Darragh Tibbs, along with Matt Holland on keys and guitar, and David Dalzell on bass.
The band’s sound is a testament to their collective strengths. VERA’s music, driven by Toner’s raw and powerful vocals, is filled with style, drama, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. Her lyrics navigate the pitfalls of modern love with a refreshingly cynical edge presenting the complexities of romance through a lens that is both relatable and sharply observant. This approach has resonated with listeners, as evidenced by the success of their earlier singles, ‘No Help From You’ and ‘Reasons’, both of which established VERA as a force to be reckoned with in the Irish music scene.
‘Leave Me Alone’ is not just another alt-rock track; it’s a cathartic release – a defiant response to the relentless barrage of messages from someone who simply cannot take a hint. With its relentless synth arpeggiators, thunderous drums, and growling melodic bass, the song captures the frustration and disorder that comes with being hounded by an exasperating individual. Yet, in true VERA fashion, there’s a twist. Beneath the biting sarcasm and raw energy, the lyrics slyly suggest that perhaps the chaos isn’t entirely external, maybe part of the problem lies with us.
As they charge into 2024, VERA is poised to continue their rise, with ‘Leave Me Alone’ serving as a bold declaration of their artistic identity. This is a band that knows how to turn life’s frustrations into anthems of empowerment, and in doing so, they’ve created a track that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the noise of modern life. In ‘Leave Me Alone’, VERA has crafted a song that is as emotionally raw as it is musically exhilarating; a perfect encapsulation of the band’s unique blend of indie, rock, and soul.
Find out more about VERA on their Instagram and Spotify.
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