Theo Bleak is, without a doubt, on a roll. Just a few months after the release of Iliad, her odyssey through the various phases of her life, the artist has released her brand new EP, Pain – and it’s every bit as good, and perhaps even more odyssey-esque. It’s heavier than Iliad, but in all the best ways, and it certainly feels like a logical progression in Theo Bleak’s discography.
I spoke to the person behind the moniker – aka Katie Lynch – about Pain following its release – in particular, about the potential overlap between Iliad and Pain, as the two EPs were released within a few months. On this, Lynch said, “I think probably, unconsciously, there was some overlap – with Iliad, I’d started to look at my life quite critically.”
While Iliad was primarily about her life in Dundee, Lynch says Pain is more inspired by her own, internal thoughts about her life and relationships – rather than those things themselves, which is why, she says, Pain is less conceptual. To me, this just showcases that Theo Bleak can do it all – artistically brilliant albums, with clear themes and motifs, as well as also artistically brilliant albums, that are stripped back and truthful.
One of the highlights of the EP has to be ‘I Look Like a Fool to You’, which was released as a single in late-September. The track not only displays her excellent vocal ability, but also her talent for songwriting – the lyrics are raw, and sound unmistakably hurt; the track itself sounds exactly like the experience of not being taken seriously, of craving the attention of someone who doesn’t care.
The absolute standout on the whole EP, though, is ‘It’s Not Doing Me Any Good’, featuring a distinctive, nineties-esque guitar sound, and an excellent example of feminine rage – the track showcases and exposes the blatant misogyny in the music industry that so many feminine-presenting artists endure. On the track, Lynch says “It’s about the obvious misogyny in the music industry, and then also the subconscious misogyny, which is even more damaging, really – I was so fed up, and it’s about that.”
When asked what her favourite track is on the other hand, she opted to select ‘Raining All The Time’ – an understandable choice, as it’s quickly becoming one of her most popular tracks, if the streaming figures are anything to go by. Despite the track being “difficult, thematically” according to Katie, it’s catchy as anything; one of those songs you could have on, and notice an hour later it’s been on repeat the whole time.
When asked how Pain slots in with her previous work, she seemed pleased – “I think it’s definitely the sort of direction I want to go in, and I think the sound is diverse. I think it’s also the most accomplished sound we’ve had. I mean, I don’t think we’re there yet, but we’re definitely developing in the right way.” I have to agree – Pain seems like the natural progression from Iliad, with its heavier themes and heavier sound. Even the imagery of the EP artwork feels linear, with the progression from light to dark, reflecting the sound perfectly.
Although the EP itself is brilliant, Lynch reckons it wasn’t so fun to work on. “I mean, it was so important to us, and it ended up being really difficult. It didn’t feel cathartic at all,” she says. That might be true, but it clearly paid off.
If you haven’t heard Pain yet, it’s a must-listen-now affair. But listen to Iliad first, and then Pain. And then, you know, leave Pain on repeat – it’s too good to listen to just the once.
Words: Rosie Smith // Photos: Nathan Dunphy
‘Pain’ is out now via Bold Cut. Stream or purchase the EP here.