SINGLE REVIEW | VENUS GRRRLS – EIGHTEEN CROWS by Emma Carrington
‘Eighteen crows’, released March 7th, is the latest release by Northern quintet VENUS GRRRLS – encapsulating a whimsical occult-ish aesthetic.
Hailing from Leeds, the band draw heavy inspiration from occult, witchcraft themes. Imagine a fusion of Practical Magic [1998] and The Craft [1996], combined with the band’s grunge-infused sound to create an unique and original experience for listeners.
VENUS GRRRLS‘ ‘Eighteen Crows’ is a fierce and atmospheric track that blends elements of gothic rock and alternative music to create a haunting yet empowering sound. From the beginning, the song immediately establishes a dark, brooding energy, drawing listeners into its moody aesthetic. The band’s signature style—marked by ethereal vocals and powerful instrumentation—shines through, making this track a standout in their discography.
Lyrically, ‘Eighteen Crows‘ explores themes of resilience, transformation, and the enigmatic pull of the unknown. The imagery of crows, often associated with mystery and rebirth, reinforces the song’s eerie yet captivating tone. The lyrics balance poetic ambiguity with raw emotion, allowing listeners to interpret the song through their own experiences.
The track is driven by a compelling combination of distorted guitar riffs, pulsating drums, and atmospheric synths that create a cinematic sound. Interestingly, the song claims to use real crow recordings that the band members supposedly recorded themselves, however I felt as though this was a wasted effort, never mind something to highlight as the effect fell flat. Instead of adding any extra excitement or interest to the song, it felt lazy and gimmicky. The overall production is polished yet still retains a gritty edge, emphasising the band’s ability to merge intensity with elegance. The lead vocals are particularly striking, shifting between haunting and beautiful and successfully blending the two to add depth and dynamism to the track.
What makes ‘Eighteen Crows’ particularly engaging is its ability to evoke emotion while maintaining a strong sense of momentum. The song’s structure builds tension effectively, leading to an explosive chorus that lingers long after the track ends. This balance between darkness and empowerment is a signature of VENUS GRRRLS, and they execute it brilliantly here.
Overall, ‘Eighteen Crows’ is a compelling release which showcases VENUS GRRRLS‘ growing artistry. It’s a track that resonates with fans of alternative and gothic rock, proving that the band continues to carve out a distinct and powerful identity in the music scene, all whilst still leaving room to improve and expand.
You can see VENUS GRRRLS on stage soon on the dates below:
March 26th – Teenage Cancer Trust Gigs, Royal Albert Hall, London, UK
April 19th – Whelans, Dublin, IE (SOLD OUT)
April 24th – Oslo, London, UK
April 25th – The Wardrobe, Leeds, UK
May 29th- 30th – Block Party Festival, Paris, FR
June 13th – 15th – Download Festival, Castle Donington, UK
July 11th – 2000 Trees Festival, Cheltenham, UK
TICKETS AVAILABLE VIA WWW.VENUSGRRRLS.COM/TOUR
About the Author
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