News: Jen Cloher Surprises with ‘Annabelle’ Single Ahead of Tour

Jen Cloher has never shied away from making bold political statements, and with their latest single ‘Annabelle,’ they delve deep into the personal and the political. The track’s accompanying video paints a stark, harrowing portrait of a protagonist undone by her relentless need to win at all costs. Yet, beneath this personal unraveling lies a trenchant critique of white feminism’s dominance in contemporary discourse—a movement that Cloher asserts is often more focused on advances in individual power than on the collective liberation from systemic oppression. Cloher challenges listeners to reconsider the true meaning of equality and justice, pushing beyond surface-level victories to confront the deeper, more pervasive issues at hand. Cloher worked on ‘Annabelle’ with producer Tom Healy (Marlon Williams/ Tiny Ruins.)

‘Annabelle’s’ accompanying video was co-directed by Jen Cloher and Claire Giuffre, bringing Cloher’s original vision to life and marking their directorial debut. The video features Gabrielle Bradbeer, Esther Henderson, Nathalie Pavlovic, and Melissa Fulton.

‘Annabelle’ is driven along by a lilting, shimmering melody that gracefully floats over restrained rock guitars, culminating in a glorious, anthemic finale. It’s achingly beautiful, a testament to Cloher’s songwriting prowess. The accompanying video, a striking contrast to the song’s serious undertones, ends in a jubilant food fight—infusing the narrative with a sense of rebellious joy amidst the gravity.