Belfast post-punk/alt-rock risers LORD JANE are the latest act to stake their claim on Ireland. A supergroup consisting of members of the acts Wohn, Ferals and Mob Wife, the quintet release their debut statement single ‘I Did It To Myself’, out today. The perfect introduction to the band, it sees a combination of the band’s post-punk, alt-rock, and funk-pop tendencies rise to the surface. Capturing the economics of a vicious self-prophecy that spirals ever downward, soundtracked by a bed of tight acoustics and widescreen vocals, it is a statement release from the Belfast band.
LORD JANE formed in 2022 when Sam Foote (Guitar) and Dylan Norton (Drums), who have played music together for over 10 years, decided to get together to collaborate on a fresh, new project that brought together a mutual interest in exploring shared influences and love for similar types of music. They were keen to take a step away from the heavier sounds that they both were used to in their other projects (Ferals, Wohn) and take a leap in a different musical direction. The template for what was soon to become LORD JANE was a softer, more melodic and rhythmic based sound.
After a short time, Carl Small (bassist) joined the duo, and his collaboration further solidified the rhythm that would shape the bands vibes as a more dancier, pulsing sonic experience. Aidan Reynolds was the fourth welcome addition, bringing with him his soaring guitar grooves, creating a very unique blend of two guitars in a mutual partnership in a band, rather than one taking the lead and the other taking the rhythm. Adding a second guitar meant there was more scope for exploring a wider and more complex harmonic sound. The final addition of vocalist Clodagh May solidified the lineup and set the mood at the heart of the band’s songs, expressing themes of deeper consequence and delving into hard-to-talk-about subjects, which juxtapose the up-beat explosion of music.
Speaking on the track, vocalist Clodagh May stated “‘I Did It To Myself’ is the perfect introduction into what the band represents. Lyrically, it is an inner dialogue of the vicious cycle of self-destruction, and in the end, there’s no one to blame but yourself. The song is driven by catchy guitar hooks and an unrelenting bop of rhythm.”