'One' begins with a portent, the compulsive stomp of a dance pulse. Throbbing, pushy and as musically directed at you as the lyrics that now unfold are - 'I've come to know the taste of dirt, The rejection upon my tongue' These words, though eliptical, not about any specific incident, nonetheless elicit a strong emotional response. Clearly defiant in tone, and a declaration of a human presence unbowed and unfolding into a new strength.
An obvious association here is the death of George Floyd. But a broader point is about anyone who for whatever reason - race or gender or sexual orientation is being kept down, kept periferal, kept oppressed - 'Held Down, Head Down' its compelling listening.
ANOHNI's vocals have a strength and defiant power not really heard from her before. She really means this, this is her feelings and her experience. Hercules & Love Affair here are a musical force and a gathering rhythm, accessible but edgy, that also breaks new ground for them. 'One' comes from their new album In Amber which is an altogether different beast to what either of them has produced before. ( review coming soon )
I've come to know the taste of dirtThe rejection upon my tongue
Oh, I know my coat is black
I've been a threat since I was young
Held down, head down
Held down, head down
Held down, head down
Held down, head down
Turning, twisting of words
Tracing my essence towards the Sun
Magic in my infancy
I was perfect, I was one
Held down, head down
Held down, head down
Held down, head down
Held down, head down
I break you with my nature
Mouth and volcano, one
My arms screaming with branches
Womb of ocean and all
Feeding upon my own flesh
Eyes firе with what I've won
Swallow you in tsunami
Wild forces overrun
I kiss thе gift, I kiss the stone
And love the damage that's been done
A child's blood was drawn from me
My river drools communion
Held down, head down
Held down, head down
Held down, head down
Held down, head down
My body crushes yours now
I'm burning with the Sun
Swallow you in tsunami
Wild forces overrun
Rise up girl, rise up
Speak your truth speak your truth
Fear none and walk without shame
Remember, no more dying
No more dying
No more dying
No more dying
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