Yup! It’s another debut! And it’s another cracker! This time, it comes courtesy of South West London-based act Quiet Tongues, and their shimmeringly gritty tune ‘Ennui’. A sonic rollercoaster of epic proportions, ‘Ennui’ builds itself up with funky basslines, edgy riffs, and penetrating drums. The vocals of Seth Tonkin round things off perfectly, all culminating in a unique and exhilarating sound that’s too good to ignore. Lyrically, let’s just say that the French word ennui translates into English as “a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement”.
You might remember a band called Modra Luna who played extensively all over London. Well…they are now Quiet Tongues! Rebranded, refreshed, and ready to roll. Drawing on inspiration from the likes of Queens of the Stone Age, FOALS, Talking Heads, and Massive Attack, Quiet Tongues have expertly crafted a sound of their own. A sound that we at Indie Top 39 can’t wait to hear more of!
‘Ennui’ is a spellbinding track! A pure sonic rollercoaster that you wish didn’t have to end!
INDIE TOP 39
What does the song mean to you?
To us, the song mainly becomes about using the feeling of ‘Ennui’ as a risky kind of coping mechanism. When something is constantly dragging you down the only way to cope is to care less and less until you don’t care at all. That being said, I think it’s still open to the listener’s interpretation, and for me, that’s part of the joy of songwriting. ‘Ennui’ also signals a bit of a fresh start for us as a band. Post lockdown it was one of the first songs that we got to work on in a room together under our new name so for that reason, I think it’s always going to mean a lot to us as a band.
Who do you hope the song resonates with the most?
With those who have felt a certain type of way before. ‘Ennui’ is quite difficult to describe and hard to pin down, but at its core, it’s something that can quite easily manifest itself into a form of depression. It seems a strange thing to say but in and amongst the gloomy nature of the track I think there is still an element of hope that people can cling to. Whilst not caring about anything or anyone might help for a bit, I don’t think it’s a way to fix how you feel. Got a bit after school special there didn’t it??
What are your favourite lyrics in the song?
Seth: I am pretty proud of the opening line. “Ever seen the lights in someone’s eyes fading away?” I love that It poses a question to the listener and gets them involved from the off, that’s the intention anyway. I also think it sets up the tone for the rest of the song pretty nicely and evokes a clear and specific image for you to build on, so if I had to choose it’d be that one! I also quite like that I’ve managed to get away with sticking a bit of French in there too despite not being able to speak a word.
Which Netflix series or movie would you like your music to be featured in?
Seth: I’d be a fool not to say Stranger Things right? Viva le Kate Bush! Not sure we quite fit the 80s nostalgic vibe they’re after though so I would be happy to settle for any sort of sports montage/slow-motion action shot.
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Now you can listen to all the 39 songs in one place, right here on Spotify!
This coverage was created in collaboration with Musosoup as part of the #SustainableCurator movement.
