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Back To Blue

by Emma and the Fragments

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about

Back to Blue” is the latest single from Emma and the Fragments, ahead of their upcoming sophomore EP Smile ‘Til It Hurts, which is headed for a 2021 release. Continuing the album’s exploration of dark and eerie imagery, “Back to Blue” switches out the punk high-energy approach of much of the album’s tracklist, instead exploring the slow decay of a once loving relationship with a restrained but captivating sound that feels almost gothic in its influences and execution.

Using Brighton’s West Pier as its central inspiration, “Back to Blue” draws a straight line between the broken down, waterlogged structure and the abandoned shipwreck of a past love. Opening with sparse, jangly guitars courtesy of lead guitarist Donn, and a subtly syncopated drum beat from drummer Jon, the track immediately sets you on an uneasy and uneven keel. The mournful resignation of the verse carries with it an undercurrent of inevitability, teetering on the brink of chaos and reminding you of the threat of being swept away.

Just like the tide, the singer’s thoughts are pulled back to her old relationship again and again, and we are pulled under with her as she attempts to fight the current. As hard as she tries to keep treading water towards a future that doesn’t include the love she’s lost, her battle with the waves of emotion that threaten to overcome her ensure she is consistently lured “Back to Blue.” Throughout the song, lead vocalist Emma plays a kind of self-deceiving siren, tempting herself to dwell on the happy memories of when the relationship was stronger with her sweet and lilting vocals.

Sombre, sleek and utterly contemporary - “Back to Blue'' effortlessly evokes a kind of pared back gothic melodrama, where romance and tragedy both lurk side by side in the dark water. The foreboding bassline, frenetic drums and stylishly moody vocals steadily build the track from unquiet seas to a swirling hurricane, daring the listener to surrender completely and embrace the loss of control. With the final otherworldly vocals seeming to come from far away, it is unclear whether the singer has managed to break the cycle of her reverie, or has instead succumbed to being lost underwater forever.

lyrics

Petrified remains
Of a fateful catastrophic year
In ruins with no hope to save
Way beyond repair
The well-worn beams collapsed into the sea
Resting in its watery grave

Anticipating the death of my heart,
But it still beats on
Even though we fell apart

When the sun shines
So bright that it blinds
Everything takes me back to blue
Everything takes me back to blue
Back to you

Pleasure seekers joy
To walk on water up into the sky
Peer at wonder
At the vastness
Admired and proud
The sea sprayed planks stood up against the wild
Determined to, weather the storm

Anticipating the death of my heart,
But it still beats on
Even though we fell apart

When the sun shines
So bright that it blinds
Everything takes me back to blue

When darkness falls
No-one ever calls
Everything takes me back to blue
Everything takes me back to blue
Back to you

Back to blue
Back to you
Back to blue
Back to blue

Who knew I could make it through?
How to outdo loving you
Pursue brand new point of view
Undo back to blue

Back to blue x8

credits

released November 6, 2021
Producer: JB Pilon (Buffalo Studios)
Label: Regent Street Records

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Emma and the Fragments London, UK

Emma and the Fragments are a dynamic indie rock band from the vibrant music scene of East London. Fronted by Emma and her husband Jon on drums, their deep connection and shared musical vision have been the driving force behind the band's success.

They create a sound that's powerful & nuanced, blending elements of indie rock, punk, and pop to create something truly special ... more

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