The Desert - 'Bitterness'

Whether you’re spending the day with someone or not – the need for a playlist full of emotional love songs, is real.  ‘Bitterness’ is the latest release from The Desert – a Bristolian quartet whose moody pop is the perfect accompaniment to get you through those Valentine’s Day blues. 

“I’ve been pouring sugar over all of the bitterness you left me” opens lead-singer Gina Leonard in her sweet voice that is akin to the quirky tones of New Zealand musician/actress, Kimbra. ‘Bitterness’ is a statement of melancholia and moving forward. Underneath the sombre soundscape that is drenched in atmospheric synths, the song is carried by drums that sound like a heartbeat. Given that the song is about “coming to terms with being screwed over and accepting it and moving forward because it won’t do any good to stew in bitterness”, it is only fitting to mimic the sounds of the organ that controls all of these feelings.

The Desert had a great ending to 2018, with numerous tour dates and a live session for BBC Introducing. In just over a month they head to America for the first time to play the SXSW festival, which in recent years has gained a cult status. This performance coincides with the release of their upcoming EP ‘Winning You Back EP’ which will be released on 8thMarch. Whilst they have only been around for less than two years, The Desert are steadily turning the right heads and I think their SXSW performance could open up a few more doors for them.

Words by Tyler Damara Kelly

---