‘Forbidden Fruit‘, the latest single from duo Vokxen marks the their latest foray into local folklore and witchcraft. Following on from last year’s ‘Sanctuary (The Witches’ Stone)’, ‘Forbidden Fruit’ delves further into the Islandmagee Witch Trials. We’re giving you a first look at the song’s video, out today.
Led by contemplative sounds and spell-like ‘commandments’, ‘Forbidden Fruit’ is a meditative concept piece from the duo of Claire McCartney and Beccy Henderson, who are joined in collaboration with poet Alice McCullough. The chanting breaks into its “forbidden fruit” reprise, showcasing McCartney’s strong vocals, set to an atmosphere that remains moody and sinister. The track leans into folklore and the occult both musically and lyrically, but the latter draws a not so subtle line to modern times as the band explain: “In 1711, women were persecuted as ‘witches’ for simply drinking, swearing, being out after dark or being deemed as ugly. We haven’t come very far from that. For us, Forbidden Fruit is safely walking home alone. It’s being able to leave your drink unattended and wear what you want. It’s freedom to exist.”
The video, premiered today is directed and produced by Claire Roi Harvey, the tactile visuals taking direct inspiration into the song.
“The video fuses elements of old and new. A handmade leather journal, containing vintage photographs and cuttings, watercolour illustration, paper pop up moving parts, shadow and projections creating a visual tapestry of womxn throughout history. Each with their own ‘Forbidden Fruit’. By the end of the book, the reader is invited to leave their mark, write their name and share their own deepest desires.”
Vokxen have taken a unique path with ‘Forbidden Fruit’ and ‘Sanctuary’ before it, moving beyond the produced pop of their past and bringing local folkwore into their music.
