Shoegaze/dream pop exponents extraordinaire, Womb, from Pōneke (Wellington) have just announced the release of a new EP – ‘Holding a Flame’ – on 23 June 2021 through the inestimable and legendary Flying Nun Records. What a powerful combination. To launch this event, Womb will be embarking on a Aotearoa/New Zealand-wide tour.
‘Holding a Flame’ is a collection of songs written by the trio over the last couple of years. Originally anticipated to be a part of an album, the songs felt complete when placed together, as something of their own. The band says of the songs:
We recorded them on and off, while collectively listening to a whole lot of Cocteau Twins (as always), Blood Orange, and The Cure. As with most of our songs, these were written as a form of transmutation; turning discordant feelings into a unified sound as a means of getting through/past various states of being.
This promises to be an utter sonic delight.
You can pre-order the EP here and catch the band on the road on the following dates and venues:
2nd July — Dunedin (Ōtepoti) @ DIVE w/ i.e. crazy + Dale Kerrigan
3rd July — Lyttelton (Ōhinehau) @ Loons w/ Ben Woods + Ferby
21st July — Wellington (Pōneke) @ Meow w/ i.e. crazy, Recitals + bornhag
23rd July — Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) @ Wine Cellar w/ Samara Alofa + Ary & The Jansens
‘Holding a Flame’ was recorded and produced by both the band and Bevan Smith, with Smith also taking on the mixing and mastering duties. The beautiful artwork and design is courtesy of the band’s synth whiz Haz Forrester.
Womb are twins Charlotte Forrester (they/them; vocals & guitar) and Haz Forrester (he/him; synth), and Georgette Brown (she/they; drums).
Feature Photograph: Ted Black
