Cerian releases her wonderful debut EP 'Caught In The Dark'
‘Caught in the Dark’ is the highly anticipated debut EP by London-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Cerian. Described as “the purest voice on radio” and tipped by Music Republic Magazine as one of their “ones to watch” in 2019, Cerian now releases her debut EP ‘Caught in the Dark’ - a series of songs written in the middle of the night. A lifelong insomniac, Cerian is almost completely nocturnal, and these profoundly personal songs have grown out of her struggle with both the literal and internal darkness felt in the isolation of the early hours of the morning, when she would stay awake writing until dawn. The intensity of these emotions can be heard in the powerful songs that grew out of this struggle.
Written just as she was trying to gain the confidence to share her own music with the world for the first time, the first track on the EP -’Wasteland’ - explores the feelings of loneliness and paralysing fear. Cerian explains: “In the dead of the night, terrifying existentialism takes over: seemingly frozen in time, you feel unable to traverse the space between where you are and where you want to be. The precipice of the unknown future is calling, but you don’t know if you’re going to fly or fall if you can find the courage to jump.” Building on the EP’s themes of time, light and dark, second track ‘Seasons’ is a haunting and ethereal ode to lost time and a first love, opening on five-part harmonies reminiscent of a vocoder, and a perpetual motion guitar part which underpins this uniquely dark piece of moving dream-pop.
The title track of the EP ‘Caught in the Dark’ is a darkly powerful song with a cinematic build showcasing Cerian's incredible range and vocal dexterity. Written at a time of personal darkness, this song explores the colours within that darkness and the search for light. Ending with a ray of hope in its last line “I felt the sunrise from a darkened cry”, fourth track ‘Our Love’ Is picks up from this point and represents the lightest moment on the EP, both thematically and sonically, as a celebration of love and light. ‘Our Love’ Is is a beautifully delicate, rousing and life-affirming acoustic pop song showcasing a duet of two perfectly matched voices singing of the triumph of their love. As with Wasteland, it was recorded with collaborator Robert Taira Wilson, and features Wilson’s intricate guitar playing intertwined with Cerian’s piano playing. The final track, ‘Carry Me Home’, is a beautifully poignant pop ballad, recorded live with just voice and piano. Inspired by the words “time hath overtaken me”, ‘Carry Me Home’ is an evocative reminder of the fleeting fragility of life.
This group of brooding songs are tinged by the mystery and beauty of the night, and this is echoed in Cerian’s innovative and atmospheric songwriting and production. Cerian brings together epic soundscapes of vocal harmonies, harp, piano, orchestral drums and electric guitar, featuring a cinematic palette which may be likened to London Grammar and Active Child. Lyrically, Cerian draws inspiration from literature and poetry to craft her own vivid and poetic lyrics which make every song a compelling story. Her combination of crystalline vocals and heartfelt delivery take the listener on a raw and honest journey which is a triumph of dark ethereal indie folk-pop.
Further to writing and producing all the songs on this EP, Cerian has also created all the art, paintings and visuals that accompany it. Each song is represented by a colour, and the EP journeys through the different colours sought and found in the search for light. The EP image is a photo with a projection of one of Cerian’s paintings encompassing every colour in that journey.
Cerian has sung with an impressive array of artists, including U2, Radiohead, Sam Smith, Thom Yorke, Imogen Heap, Neneh Cherry, Tom Chaplin, Nakhane, Charlotte Church, Laura Mvula and Amber Run. Once she began performing her own work as a solo artist, her vocal dexterity and range - combined with emotive and truthful songwriting - quickly resulted in comparisons to Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush. Her first four singles have garnered glowing reviews, BBC Introducing support and extensive radio play and Cerian has quickly gained a reputation as a captivating live performer from appearances at Glastonbury Festival, Bush Hall and two sold-out headline shows at The National Portrait Gallery.
Cerian is celebrating the EP launch with a live-stream from her Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cerianmusic) on Saturday 4th April at 7pm, in place of the gig which was originally planned. Everyone is welcome to watch for free!
You can listen or purchase a copy of Cerian’s new EP from the links below >>>
"Absolutely wonderful.” - BBC Introducing
“Gorgeous.. fantastic.. quite sensational.. the purest voice on radio." - Justine Greene (BBC Radio)
“Nothing short of stunning.” - Paul Sexton (Journalist, BBC)
“A range to her voice that angels dream of.” - BBC London
“Cerian has that rare type of compelling vocal that effortlessly captures its listener's attention with its extraordinary range and purity.” - When the Horn Blows