Photography by Jack Angell
In many ways, the newly released single “Stress” is excitingly what one would expect from GothBoiClique member Adam McIlwee. Wicca Phase Springs Eternal drones and harmonizes in a memorable fashion, illustrating his life struggles with dreary detail. Fish Narc provides the backdrop and is consistent as ever with deep rolling guitar riffs, and trap-heavy percussive elements pacing along to complete the scene.
This track deepens its identity as Australia based Camp Cope lends vocalist/guitarist Georgia Maq for a feature verse, boasting a bright timbre to act as counterpoint to Wicca’s signature drawls. Maq’s cadence shifts from relaxed and melodious, to rhythmic and atonal, and back again. The tail end of her words occasionally revealing a playful, loose inflection and texture. This verse is a display of effortless melody weaving and creativity, a real treat to behold.
The vocalist duo clearly combine with great chemistry, at times borrowing a line from one another to intertwine the two verses, and leaning on one another to build something more than the sum of it’s parts. The song exits in a powerful shared chorus, and leaves one hanging on their words.
“Stress” is a refreshing combination of minds and styles, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. Listen to the full track down below.