Wolverhampton-based outfit Baudelaire is officially back with their third single, ‘Facade.’ One of the most exciting bands to hit the UK scene in 2022, the group’s modern take on 80s punk-rock offers for an eye-opening, haunting sonic experience. With the group’s first two singles (“Prayers” and “Lethe”) garnering over 10,000 streams on Spotify and warranting a mention on BBC Introducing, the band has quickly attracted a fanbase allured by their dark, raving aesthetic.
‘Facade’ refuses to pull any punches on their songwriting. Lines such as “my life is a bad dream and then another bad dream” or “I can’t go on like this” highlight a matter-of-fact realism that aids to the vulnerability and poignancy of the track. Growing up in a half-dead industrial town filled with “broken homes”, the group is releasing their pent-up feelings of hopelessness through their music. Listeners will be left reminiscing about 80s UK-bands such as Gang of Four for the first time.
The music video likewise reflects these feelings of claustrophobia or emotional fragmentation. From overgrown railroad tracks to toppled over buildings, the blurred cinematography creates a semi-apocalyptic scene that reflects the hopelessness outrage of the track. Produced by Gavin Monaghan (a household name in the Black Country scene), ‘Facade’ employs rumbling guitar progressions and booming drums, giving the listener no time to breath amidst a fluttering song structure that only gets better with every listen.
Baudelaire’s gothic, messy post-punk aura makes for one of the more exciting bands to hit the UK scene this year. A must-see is condensed concert venues, I can only imagine how exhilarating their live performances must be. The third single released this year, the group looks poised for a breakout project come 2023.