After previously making a name for themselves as The Casual Sexists, British/American duo Strange Flesh have now returned to deliver their brand new single and video for ‘Very’.
Inspired by the likes of COBRAH, Coucou Chloe, Pet Shop Boys and Shygirl, ‘Very’ makes for a wonderfully impactful listen. Including birdsong, the pop of cans opening, and the gurgle of Varrick and Ed’s kitchen sink, the pairing maintain their avant-pop approach throughout this new offering.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and influences over the years.
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Varrick: The keytar. I mean, it’s a keyboard you hold like a guitar. How cool is that?
Ed: Drums, after watching my older brother’s band rehearse. He used to sit me on his knee to bash around on his drum kit when I was tiny, and shortly thereafter I was given my very own laundry box to pound out the punk on.
What was the first band or artist you enjoyed when you were younger?
Varrick: My parents listened to a lot of Simon & Garfunkel, and I was very much on board. I never forget lyrics, so I still know a ton of their songs.
Ed: The Human League and Black Sabbath when I was around four years old. My sister and brother corrupted me with music when I was deliciously young.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Varrick: Probably Mellow Gold by Beck? Though I honestly don’t remember. I got into punk around the same time, but a lot of what I owned was mix tapes or random whatever bought at garage sales.
Ed: The Human League – Dare and Black Sabbath – Greatest Hits, both given to me by my aforementioned siblings. They’re getting a lot of coverage in this interview, I’ve just realized. Ah, they deserve it, bless ’em.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Varrick: Close to Me by The Cure. I love the quiet, breathy simplicity and nighttime atmosphere of it. It’s short and catchy and perfect.
Ed: Happy Birthday.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Varrick: Maki Asakawa, HTRK, Jamaican Queens, Depeche Mode
Ed: COBRAH, Shygirl, 700 bliss, model home, Lucrecia Dalt, Smerz, VOICE ACTOR, Coucou Chloe, Villaelvin, Cyrnai
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
Varrick: When we would home record in our tiny studio flat in London, I would sometimes record vocals under a duvet so as not to bother the neighbors. That was pretty fun.
Ed: Varrick’s and my first ever gig in NYC when we absolutely packed the venue out, and our friend Tom showed up wearing a hussar jacket and little else. That and being on TV with Rat Scabies when I was 14.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Varrick: Ed Zed of course! Or anyone playing in Japan (we’d really love to play there).
Ed: Grace Jones, COBRAH, The Pet Shop Boys, Zebra Katz, Jedward
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
Varrick: Not particularly. I’m too anxious for collaboration, for the most part.
Ed: Inga Copeland / Lolina, although I’d probably be too anxious for that 🙂
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Varrick: “Just play it by ear.”
Ed: “If you’re thinking of forming a band… FUCK. OFF.”
What’s next for Strange Flesh:
We have another EP, ‘Single / No Return’ coming out in autumn, followed by our debut album in early 2024. The album is roughly three quarters complete, and if we say do ourselves, it’s a freaking banger. We have a show in September at brand new Brooklyn venue Apartment C, with more to follow around the release of ‘Single / No Return’ and beyond. On a more general level, our future is likely to involve several drinks, joy, regret, redemption and death.
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Strange Flash’s new single ‘Very’ is available to stream now. Watch the new video for it below.
