Francis of Delirium – 'Equality Song'

Rising indie rock duo Francis of Delirium takes a stand against the patriarchy on defiant new single ‘Equality Song’.

Inspired by the Brett Kavanaugh hearings, ‘Equality Song’ sees 19-year-old Jana Bahrich fight against the systems that deny women justice. “The song was written mainly out of anger, at how absurd it is that sexual abuse is so normalised, and the systems that are in place just to essentially shit on anyone that comes forward with their story,” she says about the track. With poignant, hard hitting lines like “sometimes it feels like a fact of life: you’re born, get your period and you’ll get raped some time,” ‘Equality Song’ describes the reality of many women and, in the same breath, fights for their right to be heard, to be taken seriously, to be understood. Quick paced guitar lines and a roaring chorus speak of the pent-up anger and frustration that influenced the songwriting process. As Jana explains: “The Brett Kavanaugh hearings had just happened and then every week it felt like another story came out and it seemed like no-one cared. You grow up learning to be sceptical of other people and spend a lot of time in fear of the people around you. So, the song is meant to be lashing out about how broken structures and systems are”. There is a clear sense of urgency reflected in Jana’s soaring vocals as she sings her heart out, desperate for change. An urgency that leaves a provocative aftertaste and will hopefully get some people thinking. 

Speaking for countless women across the globe and drawing attention to an ever-present issue, ‘Equality Song’ is more than significant. Potentially one of the most poignant pieces of music of the year and most definitely a deciding step in Francis of Delirium’s career, the track is an anthem for the feminist movement.

Words by Laura Freyaldenhoven

---