Australian drummer and spoken-word artist Eilis Frawley releases her new album Twist My Words in a few weeks’ time, and we’re delighted to bring you a sneaky peak of what she has in store for us all with the premiere of the video for the album’s third single ‘Snakes’, exclusively on Joyzine today.
Loaded with dark, deadpan humour, and rounded off with a perfectly delivered punchline, the track casts stark daylight on stereotypes of FLINTA* people and the derogatory language and impossible expectations that these facilitate, alongside her genuine ophidiophobia.
“It’s also inspired by one very real fear: I’m absolutely petrified of snakes.” explains Frawley. “So whether it’s about snakes or calling out cis men… you decide.”
Frawley’s matter of fact delivery comes alongside a banging electro-beat, omitting Frawley’s usual instrument in favour of a bouncy synthetic snare and kick drum combo, joined at just the right moments by a catchy cowbell clang, propelling a bassy two-note riff along at a rollicking pace that echoes the fun and energy of electroclash played with a stripped-back post-punk attitude.
“I really wanted to write a song that would be SO much fun to play live, a chance for me to move around on stage without playing drums. Also petrifying!”
You can witness Eilis unleashed from behind her kit on her upcoming UK tour, which starts on 2nd October (full dates and venues below), with her self-produced LP Twist My Words following in November. The record explores how language can be manipulated and misinterpreted to the point that its meaning and intent are reversed or negated and how those in power use this to maintain the status quo and shift responsibility to the individual. It is a clear refusal to give in to the exhaustion and despondency that all of this causes and just keep quiet.
“On a more personal level, of course, this is also about me,” she adds. “Someone who hates conflict and often has a hard time standing up for myself. I find discussions exhausting, especially when my own words are rephrased in such a way that they become something completely different and are suddenly used against me.”
“I am convinced that every person possesses, to some extent, influence, power, or the ability to make a difference”, Frawley concludes. “And that this should be used for good.”
Watch the video premiere for ‘Snakes’ below:
Catch Eilis Frawley live:
01.10.26 – AT – Wien, Waves Vienna
02.10.26 – UK – London, Finsbury Park Picturehouse
03.10.26 – UK – Newport, Loud Women Fest
04.10.26 – UK – Sowerby Bridge, The Puzzle Inn
05.10.26 – UK – Manchester, The Peer Hat
06.10.26 – UK – Brighton, The Brunswick
‘Snakes’ is released on 29th September, followed by the album Twist My Words on 6th November: pre-order now on vinyl and digital download via Bandcamp
Eilis Frawley: Website / Instagram / Bandcamp
Article by Paul Maps
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