wych elm - Burnt at the Stake [LEFT OF THE DIAL 2023 SESSIONS]

Wych elm playing their song "Burnt at the Stake" during showcase festival Left of the Dial 2023 in Rotown.

The Bristol outfit wych elm seems to have a fascination for more the macabre matters of the world: a song about Susan Smith, a woman who murdered her own babies, or with their - far most listened - song titled School Shooter. Although the song subjects are a bit dark and sometimes controversial, the scrappy, menacing, and contemplative grungy indie-rock just as often feels light and breathable, which makes for a fascinating combination between lyrics and compositions.

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Never waste a good honeymoon phase, as they say. Especially when there’s a showcase festival like Left Of The Dial giddy to kickstart said honeymoon phase for artists from all corners of the world. Held in the blossoming Dutch port city of Rotterdam, Left Of The Dial turns its offbeat geometric features into a panoramic scenery of free-thinking, noise-making spirits.

The festival harvests a no headliner-policy and a flexibility to bring live music to a great diversity of locations. This includes the city’s iconic longtime music bastion Rotown, or the V11, the big red boat moored at the Wijnhaven. Last year, the majestic church grounds of The Arminius served both as venue and festival hub. Rotterdam is also brimming with spaces such as WORM and Roodkapje, independent venues that have been vital proving grounds for an acclaimed network of local bands and artists.

[CorvidDepresso]

Man this is still one of the best songs to come out in years!