Credit: Jason Warner at Fyrefly studios
Octavia Freud & The Weird Sisters is the brainchild of UK-based musician and producer Martin Andrews. Emerging in the mid-2010s, Andrews established the Octavia Freud project to deliver a unique blend of sardonic DIY electronica infused with personal and political commentary. Characterized by its electronic vocals, cut-up beats, bass, and guitar riffs, the project quickly garnered attention. In 2020, during the lockdown, Andrews released the album Moon Dancing, showcasing natural vocals within an electronic soundscape.
“He Was Born In A Different Way” is a single from Octavia Freud & The Weird Sisters, released on May 24th, 2024. This track stands out as a centerpiece of the electronica concept album “Mancbeth”, a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” set in the 90s rave scene in Manchester, UK. Martin Andrews, the innovative force behind Octavia Freud & The Weird Sisters, teams up with Emma Hunter from Oxford to produce a song that effortlessly combines the traditional with the modern, both in story and sound. The outcome is a song that not just captivates but also challenges the listener, offering a complex and immersive experience that showcases the creativity of Andrews’ musical vision.
The intricate electronic soundscape envelops the listener as soon as the song starts playing. The rhythm is carefully constructed, creating a vibe that is both captivating and invigorating. The production, known for its edgy electronic elements, captivates you right away. It is a sound that combines nostalgia with modernity, drawing inspiration from 90s rave while also experimenting with current electronic music trends. The lively base of the track is driven by the tropical electronica style beat created by electronic producer Octavia Freud from Manchester.
Emma Hunter’s singing joins the music with a precise yet soulful delivery. The song’s emotive and dramatic lyrics, which come from a crucial moment in the Macbeth narrative, match her voice perfectly. Hunter’s performance is enriched with an extra level of sincerity and emotional depth due to her personal experience of giving birth to her son through a cesarean section. She maintains clear articulation to ensure that the lyrical content is understandable and impactful, making the story accessible to the listener.
Lyrically, “He Was Born In A Different Way” delves into a critical juncture in the Macbeth story. The track explores the moment when Macbeth learns that his adversary, Macduff, was born by cesarean section, thus not technically “of woman born.” This revelation shatters Macbeth’s sense of invincibility, as he realizes that Macduff is capable of killing him. The lyrics are delivered with a sense of foreboding and inevitability, underscored by Hunter’s poignant vocal refrain. “He will seek your blood”, this line, is the final words of Emma Hunter in the song. It serves as a stark reminder of Macbeth’s doomed fate.
Musically, the song is a masterclass in dynamic composition. The electronic instrumentation is layered and complex, with sounds that seem to move and evolve continuously throughout the track. This ever-changing soundscape keeps the listener engaged, as new elements are introduced and old ones are transformed. The addition of extra vocals at key points in the song enhances its rhythmic and dynamic texture, adding a sense of surprise and anticipation. These extra layers not only enrich the overall sound but also contribute to the song’s narrative depth.
The high level of production quality in “He Was Born In A Different Way” demonstrates the careful attention to detail that has become a defining feature of Octavia Freud & The Weird Sisters. The seamless interaction of electronic beats and vocal lines generates a cohesive and immersive listening experience. The tropical electronica style beat effectively anchors the track, offering a consistent rhythm that complements the experimental aspects of the composition.
The visual elements in the music video add to its overall impact, utilizing AI-generated visuals to build a visually captivating environment that matches the electronic style of the song. The fast edits and changes, along with intense color saturation, create a contemporary, lively atmosphere that complements the upbeat electronic music of the track. This visual component not only adds another layer of engagement but also underscores the song’s connection to the 90s rave scene, bringing the narrative full circle.
In conclusion, “He Was Born In A Different Way” is a testament to the innovative spirit of Octavia Freud & The Weird Sisters. The track successfully merges a classic Shakespearean narrative with modern electronic music, creating a song that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. Emma Hunter’s powerful vocal performance, coupled with the intricate production, makes this single a standout release. This release not only showcases the creative prowess of Andrews and his collaborators but also sets the stage for future releases, promising to bring this innovative adaptation to a wider audience. I highly invite you to check out this masterpiece, and you surely won’t regret it.
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