Baudelaire – Prayers
There’s a certain beauty that can emerge whilst exploring the darkest of sonic waves and sounds. That is exactly what the debut single ‘Prayers’ offers, courtesy of the abrasive Black Country outfit, Baudelaire.
Immediately after hitting play, the threading bassline and emphatic drumming etch an element of foreboding into the airwaves. Just as you adjust to the darkening beauty of the track, the piercing guitars cut out of the speakers to punctuate the single until the sombre vocal is painted across the airwaves. It is clear that ‘Prayers’ draws inspiration from a variety of groups ranging from Black Midi to The Fall, from Joy Division to TV Priest. All of this whilst not compromising on their unique own brand of melodic, abrasive noise.
It’s evident that Baudelaire are one of the most exciting new bands that the Black Country has to offer. 2021 saw them land well deserved support slots with Headshrinkers and Cabbage and their first headline show at Dead Wax, Birmingham. To see such a group move from strength to strength at such a rapid pace only proves one thing – sheer brilliance from ear to ear. The group is not afraid to branch out into different elements of music to add to their persona, with everything from a charismatic synth player, driving the energy of the band, to bold guitars and basslines commanding the boundaries the music is daring to cross. All of this whilst not forgetting the quality of the drumming and the delivery of the vocals.
You’d be hard pressed to find bands that can portray such excellence in any other area of the UK, other than the Black Country. We might not be the biggest dot on the map, but we are flying the flag for the future of post punk.
To hear this song live demonstrates how the band are not only great songwriters and performers, but to note how well the track has been transposed into a studio context goes to show how Baudelaire have a strong future ahead of them as artists.
Baudelaire are a band you do not want to miss. ‘Prayers’ is released 4th February 2022.
Alex Malpass
