Genre defying sisters ALT BLK ERA have unveiled a music video for ‘Straight To Heart’, the second single taken from their upcoming debut album Rave Immortal, set for release on 24th January via Earache Records.
Pre-order Rave Immortal here: earache.com/altblkera
Emotive melodies, drum n bass grooves and big guitars come together on ‘Straight To The Heart’, once again showcasing the duo’s musical diversity and infectious songwriting. Lyrically, vocalist Nyrobi opens up about her struggles with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – a running theme throughout the album – and the painful impact the condition has had on her life.
Nyrobi comments on the video: “‘The Straight To Heart’ video was really difficult for me to film because it’s such a close reflection of the darkest moments that I’ve ever experienced. I still struggle to watch it back. I do hope the video gives a little insight into the world of chronic illness. I hope it helps to start conversations about hidden disabilities and I hope it helps sufferers to feel visible and represented.”
On the song, she continues: “I became chronically ill during lockdown where I was in constant, excruciating pain throughout my body. Partly due to my illness and partly due to the high-strength pain medication I was prescribed, I existed in a fog of dream-like, whispery moments where I slept for 20 hour days.
“Over the months and years, in my moments of clarity I noticed that my friends had forgotten about me and as I slowly came out of the fog I was in, they made no effort to reconnect. I was left out in the cold, forgotten about, so I had to deal with both the physical and emotional pain. I was incredibly lonely, and my life was a shell of just existing.
“This all happened during my teen years, an important time in my life where I was finding out who I was. The lockdowns and then my illness robbed me of important ‘normal’ teen experiences.
“The song will connect with anyone who is struggling with, or who has ever felt loneliness, being abandoned or neglected.”
ALT BLK ERA have also announced two album release shows in January.
Catch ALT BLK ERA live:
31/08/24 – Burn It Down Festival Tickets
28/09/24 – Misery Loves Company Festival Tickets
25/01/25 – Saltbox, Nottingham – RAVE IMMORTAL RELEASE PARTY Tickets
30/01/25 – PRYZM, Kingston Tickets
Within just a year ALT BLK ERA have established themselves as one of the most unique and exciting new alternative acts today, winning over audiences at major festivals including Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds, and opening for artists such as Tom Morello, Lord Of The Lost and many more. Their highly acclaimed debut EP Freak Show accelerated their meteoric rise, earning them nominations in both the 2024 MOBO and Heavy Music Awards. The album announcement comes after their triumphant set at Download Festival, where Metal Hammer magazine described them as one the bands that defined this year’s event.
As two alternative people who understand living life outside of the edge of social norms, ALT BLK ERA have created a wonderful safe space and a community for alts and their allies. This ethos has earned them a loyal and diverse following, who see no barriers and boundaries musically and socially.
This safe space has allowed the girls to open up even more on Rave Immortal, which among its themes around diversity and inclusion, centres around Nyrobi coming to terms with a disabling illness, and the support she received from Chaya. From pain and struggle to newfound strength and unconditional love, this is a story that will resonate with anyone who has faced barriers, and is an inspiration overcome them and to be yourself no matter what.
On Rave Immortal, Nyrobi comments: “You might not notice on a first listen that this album is about my hidden disability that is a result of chronic illness that took hold during my teens and left me bed-ridden for years. I take the listener through the shadows and share the pain of abandonment I felt, and the solace that I found in my younger sister’s unwavering support.
“This part of the album is so painful for me and at the same time it feels beautiful because it shows my sister by my side, every step of the way; through each emotion and every story. I wouldn’t have been brave enough to share this part of me without Chaya and the track ‘Come On Outside’ is a beautiful reflection of her.
“But we don’t stop there! The album then captures the defiant energy that grew within us, as I became more able. The songs show us crashing through the imposed barriers and boldly claiming spaces that we were once excluded from. As the songs transition into a dreamscape, they delve into the exploration of relationships; the clash of personalities when fitting into a new friendship group and the dangerous mind of an infatuated person who is scarred by illness and years of isolation.
The rebellion then builds as we begin to host wild celebrations, fiercely defending our joy after so many years of imposed restriction. The final tracks turn the tide, transforming our pursuit of freedom into an exhilarating hunt, where those who once stifled our spirit are drawn into our eternal dance of liberation, freeing them from all worldly constraints.”
Chaya continues: “This album starts as a deeply personal story of the physical and emotional pain that my sister went through when she first became ill. I was about twelve at that time. It was during the pandemic so it was a time of worry and isolation for me also but as Nyrobi slowly became more able to communicate, we spent every minute that she was awake together. I would sit in her room and contribute to her creations whilst she wrote song after song after song. From my more introverted perspective, the calmer songs reflect my nature, so ‘Straight To Heart’, ‘Come On Outside’ and ‘Run Rabbit’. However, I’ll ride-or-die for my big sis, so when it’s time to be defiant or to be rebellious, or when it’s time to scream, I’m right there too. This is what the album is about for me – our bond, that also respects who we are as individuals.”