Hailing from Naarm/Melbourne, Charm of Finches, the dreamy folk-pop duo composed of talented sisters Mabel and Ivy Windred-Wornes, has once again captivated audiences with their newest single, ‘Clean Cut‘. This mesmerising track serves as the second preview of their eagerly awaited fourth album, ‘Marlinchen in the Snow‘, set for release on Friday, April 19, courtesy of SPUNK! Records / Virgin Music Group.
The track is a magnificent example of Australian indie-pop, showcasing the powerful vocals of the Windred-Wornes sisters, accompanied by enchanting strings and compelling drums. It stands as a hauntingly beautiful song, offering a musical embodiment of self-empowerment that resonates within the heart and mind.
According to the duo, ‘Clean Cut’ emerged as a poignant response to a relationship breakdown, stemming from the duo’s extensive touring experiences in the UK, Europe, and Canada. The single is described as “a piece of self-advice, that ‘making a clean cut’ would be the best way to move forward“.
The enchantment is further enhanced by the stunningly aesthetic music video where Mabel and Ivy Windred-Wornes assume the roles of both directors and costume designers. The video features a flawlessly synchronised marionette-like dance routine, set against the backdrop of a Melbourne warehouse transformed into a haunted doll museum. This ambitious project demanded an extensive twenty-two-hour shoot, with friends generously volunteering their time to breathe life into the mesmerising visual narrative. The DIY spirit of Charm of Finches gleams through, underscoring their creativity and unwavering dedication to their craft. Unravelling like a psychological thriller fairy tale, it engrosses us in a musical landscape that mirrors the enchanting and mysterious facets of its backdrop.
The otherworldly allure of ‘Clean Cut’ offers a peek into the broader narrative carefully woven by Charm of Finches in their forthcoming album, ‘Marlinchen in the Snow’ (pre-save here). Crafted during recording sessions in rural Nova Scotia alongside esteemed Canadian producer Daniel Ledwell, the album draws inspiration from the captivating frozen landscapes and the sisters’ nomadic odyssey. ‘Marlinchen in the Snow’ will navigate through themes of belonging, the essence of home, and the fragile intricacies of relationships.
As winners of the Australian Folk Music Awards Best Folk Album (2022) and Music Victoria Best Contemporary Folk Act (2021), Charm of Finches have already established themselves as a force in the indie-folk scene. Their music has also been nominated twice for the prestigious Australian Music Prize. Up next, they’re poised to kick off their album tour across the UK beginning this May.
Image Credit: Jeff Anderson Jr.
