New Zealand dark rock outfit After the Flesh unveils their latest video-single, ‘Changeling’
After releasing their self-titled 4-song EP in May 2023, Wellington-based four-piece band After the Flesh shares their new video-single, ‘Changeling,’ from the EP. The group skillfully blends elements of classic ethereal goth pop with modern dark alternative rock.
The band lineup comprises Slovenian-born frontwoman and keyboardist Maruša Sagadin (Marusha), experienced local bassist Duncan Nairn, guitarist and vocalist Alec Morris, and drummer Sam Leamy. The EP was mixed and produced by Bryan Tabuteau, based in Wellington. According to the band, the After the Flesh EP showcases significant growth from their earlier demo releases, featuring three new songs (‘Changeling,’ ‘Cold Glory,’ and ‘Daisychain’), along with an updated version of their previous video-single, ‘Perpetual Midnight,’ released in May 2021.
The accompanying video was filmed and directed by Martin Sagadin, Maruša’s sibling. Martin explains, “After the Flesh asked me to create a video after we did a photo shoot at the pinnacles, where we were in the harsh daylight among the cliffs. We decided the next project would be very glamorous, dramatic, and interior, with layers of plastic and projection, paying homage to some of our favorite New Wave music videos and concluding with a nod to The Cranberries album cover.”
You can watch the video below.
Duncan Nairn and Alec Morris shed light on the writing process behind the latest single, ‘Changeling.’ Duncan remarks, “…we initially came up with the song’s foundations in early 2020 during an incredibly productive jam session, just before the world turned upside down. If I recall correctly, I created the bassline on a synthesizer! It’s an unusual song for us because it follows a linear progression without repeating itself. The climax of the song somehow reminds me of The Cure, but that might be due to my bassline, as I’m a huge Simon Gallup fan.”
Alec adds, “The music originated from a lengthy jam session we recorded, which I then edited and wrote the lyrics to. I had Marusha in mind when writing, knowing she would be the one singing them. At the time, she often talked about leaving town but felt held back. The song is somewhat about the anxiety that arises before taking action. There are angels and devils on each side, and you’re unsure which one is right. My mind started drifting towards things like Pleasure Island from Pinocchio, which became a motif in the video. We found a film from around 1911 featuring Pleasure Island and utilized it extensively because of its captivating visuals.”
The debut self-titled EP, ‘After the Flesh,’ is now available on Bandcamp and can be streamed on all major digital music platforms.
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