For Inklings, vulnerability has never been an option, and the latest single Deep Down takes apart that conflict. Kier Kemp took on the Inklings alias following his shock departure from Fearless Vampire Killers in late 2016, and the journey has been a bumpy one:
‘You have to rebuild everything. Not just your career, but your friendships. Yourself.
‘But I wasn’t brought up in a world where men show weakness. Push down any sign of the psychological toll and carry on. ‘Real men’ don’t get anxiety. ‘Real men’ don’t get upset. It’s that silence that is making some people vulnerable and it needs to change.’
– Kier Kemp
If that wasn’t enough, founding partner Michael Lane recently relocated to Berlin and Kier starts this new chapter alone. The hypnotic blend of indie rock showcased in latest single Deep Down explores the expectations around the toxic masculinity imposed upon many men from an early age with its repeating mantra of “deal with it” throughout, you can preview the video here:
The act will be appearing at Camden Rocks Festival this June 2nd following a string of early support slots with the likes of LA dark Indie outfit Night Riots, The UK’s own indie punk rockers Dead!, Grumble Bee and Vukovi.
With more live dates to be announced, Kier is also launching a Kickstarter campaign to fund an EP to be recorded this summer for a release towards the end of the year. This year is going to be a big year for Inklings.