Ruby Blue Meets The Shadow with The Dead Writers.
My path first crossed with The Dead Writers in September 2023 when I saw them perform in the Black Heart. The thing that captured my attention was a larger-than-life energy that came from their performance and a spark that is rare.
A spark and energy that has been carried over into their latest single 'Meet the Shadow'. A song that tackles the idea of Carl Jung's theory of the shadow self, a theory that every human has parts of themselves they wish to reject or ignore and only through acknowledging our shadow can we fully integrate all parts of ourselves. The cinematic influences are clear for this video; it is visually beautiful and has a Lynchian quality to it that not only captures the duality of man but also the complexity. Every single detail has been thought of and the impact they will have on the viewer, and as a fashion designer myself, I fully appreciate the costume design and detailing in the styling as it pushes the idea of the shadow self even further without needing to overexplain it.
The song itself is definitively Dead Writers. It is one of theatrics that wouldn't sound out of place with Queen or Bowie. The influences of The Cure and Joy Division are also clear in the sound; but it is also something that stands on its own and shows that The Dead Writers are forging their own path with their poetic lyricism, and the production gives the song a timeless feel.
'Meet the Shadow' displays the power of frontman Paul Shine's vocals; when you mix this with a very distinctive bass line that lends to the drama and guitars that are an electrifying presence, you end up with a modern gothic anthem. This is an exciting chapter for The Dead Writers, and with the grandeur of 'Meet the Shadow', it's easy to see why Nick Cave has praised them.
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