Wings of Desire - 'Runnin'
Wings of Desire's new single 'Runnin' is undeniably infectious. The song serves to symphonise the tribulations of the mundane: to proclaim pride and articulate hope. With the inspiration of 20th century philosophers such as Alan Watts and Wim Wenders, Wings of Desire insightfully addresses how we are simply and inevitably 'Racing to an early grave'.
In the current climate of love-you platitudes and indie-by-numbers, Wings of Desire propose a refreshing and modern insight into the world of alternative pop. The dreaming, euphoric vocals are doubtlessly reminiscent of New Order (or Joy Division on Prozac), tangled between a web of winding drum beats. The Ian-Curtis-esque microphone drags epitomise counter culture, and illustrate the system-serving citizens of day-to-day life. The fronting members/founders of the band, Chloe Little and the ironically-titled James Taylor, breathe life into retro musical culture, injecting a certain degree of theatricality into their songs.
The glossed-over eccentricism of the line 'Rope round your neck has its charm' showcases the stylistic nature of the band, and the daintily comedic mindset they uphold. The long-drawn ostinato of the final verse elicits a sense of freedom and optimism. It not only embraces the raw anger and charisma of James, but offers a simple resolve in one electric swill of sound.
‘Runnin’ is a track about exploring the unknown; about gazing past the life we are served, and exposing ourselves to the unadulterated void of hope and tragedy. It is an outreach to the lovingly celestial era of Factory Records and Krautrock. Wings of Desire said of their single “We were inspired by a trip to Berlin where we visited the legendary Hansa studios, and got drunk at Neues Ufer” – a supposed catalyst for their poetic influence and free flowing creativity.
The predominant message of this thought-provoking single can be summarised, simply with the offering of these few words: “Running endlessly in circles under the tight grip of a culture designed to distract us from ourselves. Do we still believe that the internet knows what’s best for us? Maybe it’s time to get off the wheel and see what’s outside.”
Wings of Desire are a band of the times. Now is your opportunity to witness them live on their long-awaited tour, before they branch out into the wilder depths of musical culture.
Words by Charlotte Jolley
