Having previously garnered support from the likes of BBC 6Music, BBC Wales and Amazing Radio for previous singles ‘Let The Big Beat Save Your Southern Soul’, ‘The House You Built For Us‘ and ‘It’s a Lovely Day Tomorrow‘, Tribes Of Europe are back with an uplifting new offering. The alter-ego of Fenland-based Martin Elsey, for this current project he is joined by musicians Andy Gangadeen (Massive Attack, Chase & Status, Jeff Beck) and Chris Taylor (Poison Girls), with the distinctive vocals of jazz-punk icon Barbara Stretch (The Vernons), as well as additional input from the Ely Fallen Angels Choir.
Immersed in a swirling, psychedelic haze, ‘Rosalind’ is partly inspired by innovative DNA chemist Rosalind Franklin, whilst reflecting on feelings of not fitting into society’s prescribed norms. As sweeping, synth-driven hooks are propelled by an uplifting ’60s-inspired rockabilly energy and a sizzling soul-infused groove, Stretch’s glistening heartfelt vocals soar. As the shimmering allure of ‘Rosalind’s cinematic musicality builds, blissful harmonies flow with a euphoric splendour to create a perfectly sunny slice of neo-soul; a rapturous soundtrack exuding a much-needed vibrant joy.
Explaining the inspiration behind the track, Elsey explains:
“It’s about a girl whose hero is Rosalind Franklin. She also has a secret crush on a popular girl at school. It’s very intense, as these things tend to be when you want something really badly but can’t seem to find a way of getting it. The song is her imaginary conversation with Rosalind and the girl. Somewhere along the line I started thinking about Joe Meek as well, and he crept into the general vibe of the song … All these innovators who didn’t quite fit in with the norms of the day; maybe their sexuality or gender just didn’t quite click.”
Watch the wonderfully trippy new video for ‘Rosalind’, for the first time, now and prepare to lose yourself in its fizzing, colourful visuals:
‘Rosalind’ is out tomorrow, 20th August, via Integrity Records.
Mari Lane
@marimindles
Get In Her Ears 
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