Anna Calvi returns with new song featuring Perfume Genius
"I wanted to highlight the romance of the chosen family, the depth of connection that isn’t tethered to heteronormative ideals."
– 2 min read
Today, Anna Calvi announces her return with a cover of Bonnie Prince Billy’s I See A Darkness, a haunting duet she performs with Perfume Genius. Their voices intertwine in a song about intimacy beyond romance-the quiet, profound love found in friendship.
“So many songs are about romantic love,” Anna explains. “But I wanted to highlight the romance of the chosen family, the depth of connection that isn’t tethered to heteronormative ideals. It's such a powerful song about the yearning for intimacy. I love inhabiting other people's songs. When I sing someone else's words, I feel like I'm getting closer to myself somehow, because the songs I choose express something I can't articulate.”
The official music video-directed by Alexander Brown-shows the intimacy of friendship during a night out as a moment between two friends is remembered over and over; it also shows the subtle defiance it takes for two women to have a free and happy evening without letting any stranger disturb the beauty of their bond.
Anna's reappearance has been eagerly awaited given that this is her first new music since she brought her trademark atmospherics and visceral guitar to the score for seasons 5 and 6 of BBC’s Peaky Blinders, (I've still never watched one episode of Peaky Blinders btw omg) whose final episode aired in 2022.
Anna also recently launched her own Substack entitled Carving Silver In Strange Weather where she will be sharing unreleased songs and instrumentals, playlists, released and unreleased live performances, alongside her own thoughts and explorations on artistic obsessions. The first chapter on The Guitar – Depravity and The Divine has recently come to a close. Read it and sign up to further chapters HERE.
Having recently taken part in the Southbank Centre’s concert tribute to David Lynch, Anna has since announced an intimate headline show at London’s EartH Theatre where she will perform rarities from her back catalogue. Joined by special guests, the sold-out show promises to be a spellbinding evening and I'm so jealous if you got tickets!
For her three albums to date, each its own dark-inked essay in turbulence and drama, Anna has been shortlisted three times for the Mercury Music Prize, nominated for a BRIT Award, received praise from the highest quarters and established herself as an artist fearless of examining identity and passion.
With I See A Darkness and what comes next, Anna Calvi intends to probe a little deeper into the human condition.
I See A Darkness is on all streaming platforms now. Share your thoughts in the comments section below👇🏻and start or join the convo! Not a member yet? Sign up for a FREE membership HERE to join the discussion. A free membership gives you full access to the comment section and more and it's quick, easy and....free!
Written by
Scene's head pop critic/pop culture enthusiast, sliving* in Brighton. Since 2021, I write a silly monthly pop column, interview artists, occasionally review theatre and listen to pop music daily! *not a typo. Follow me on Insta: @itsdalemelitabitch
