A dynamic, shape-shifting record inspired by feelings of otherness, Malta-via-Brighton art punks ĠENN have crafted an intricate narrative of multi-cultural experiences, personal anxieties and a powerful sense of togetherness on their debut album, unum. Released via their own label Liminal Collective, the record is an urgent, instinctive rumination on the band’s predominantly Maltese roots, how it feels to be an outsider and how the universal feeling of wanting to belong is more powerful than the overwhelming social, mental and political barriers that try to prevent this from occurring.
Co-produced by ĠENN, Gilla Band’s Dan Fox & Tom Hill and mastered by Katie Tavini, unum – which means “oneness, unity, a sense of being whole” in Latin – is influenced by a myriad of musical genres. Despite sharing the same Maltese roots, guitarist Janelle, bassist Leanne and vocalist Leona are inspired by a plethora or different styles, from post-punk and psych-rock, to freestyle and traditional Ghanaian folk music. Drummer Sofia was raised in Brighton with a love of jazz and blues music, but her Jamaican, Portuguese and British heritage offers another layer to ĠENN’s multifaceted sound.
From of the offset, unum is an ardent fusion of yearning and urgency. “Me and my body have a close relationship / yet I feel nothing like myself” confesses Leona on opener ‘Rohmeresse’, her hushed spoken-word contrasting against the track’s upbeat, chant-worthy motif of “I wanna stay in all day / I wanna sleep in all day, all day.” Evocative riffs and skittish percussion all lead up to an impressive display of her elastic vocal range in the latter part of the track, before everything culminates in a potent, explosive breakdown. ‘Rohmeresse’ showcases ĠENN’s abilities to melt complex, contradictory concepts and instrumentation into sophisticated, accessible sounds.
The chemistry between the band is best observed and appreciated when they’re playing live together, but on unum, Leona’s vocals truly command listeners attention. They are a vital force amidst the genre-blending skills of her bandmates, cutting through in all the right places. Whether she’s tackling the monotonous reality of a day job on the brooding ‘Days and Nights’, singing over swaggering riffs and saxophone on ‘Wild West’, or exploring creative and personal purgatory on the trip-hop inspired ‘A Muse (In Limbo)’, her ambiguous lyrics are heightened by her instinctive, dynamic vocal delivery.
This instinct is shared and showcased most vehemently on tracks ‘Calypso’, ‘A Reprise (That Girl)’ and ‘The Sister Of’. The first – named after the island Janelle’s Mother hails from – is a melodic, jazz-tinged symphony inspired by mythical mermaids and the language of Maltese poet and playwright Mario Azzopardi, the rhythms of which seep into the bloodstream. ‘A Reprise (That Girl)’ sees Leona spiral into feelings of self doubt and insecurity after watching heavily constructed versions of women’s lives online, intensified by incendiary riffs.
Arguably, it’s on ‘The Sister Of’ that the issues which inspired the creation of unum are pushed directly into the spotlight. ĠENN – who identify as majority queer people of colour – remain hopeful in sisterhood, despite the shadows of the Maltese Pro-Abortion movement and Pride protests stretching across the waters into their consciousness here in the UK. Whilst not addressed directly, these feelings of unease permeate ‘The Sister Of’, as Leona evokes visceral, fleshy imagery in her lyrics – “Pulsed by the wisdom that lies beneath your gum / blood glistens between your clenched teeth” – exploring the “alienation that bursts out of sight / agitation that brings through the light.” The track’s accompanying video, a short film by acclaimed Ukrainian director Kyryl Volovych, also reflects themes of disconnection and transience that come with being an immigrant in the post-Brexit landscape.
Ultimately, ĠENN’s debut album is a keenly observed statement of self-autonomy, and the often exhausting journey that comes with trying achieve to it. It’s a compelling, vital record that re-enforces the powerful bonds of friendship between its creators, whilst offering listeners a glimpse into a world of experiences they may not always be privy to; all underscored by formidable riffs and a formidable creative spirit.
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Photo Credit: Jordan Core
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