Debris Discs’ upcoming album has a central concept that was inspired by family letters written during World War 2. The legacy of war also led to an exploration of loss in a more universal sense, a central theme in new single Losing the Matriarch.  

Says James about the track, “Losing the Matriarch is like the counterpoint to my last single, The Worst Sight That I’ve Seen So Far. In place of the imagined memories formed through reading my Grandpa's WW2 letters, this song is inspired by my own reflections and experiences.”

While the track evokes memories of ordnance factories, ginger beer and apple pie, it also explores loss from a more personal perspective. One where meditations on war give way to the embracing of peacetime, all the while the cycle of life continues.

“It's moving on from the hope and fear of youth to the fragility of a life that's run its course,” reveals James about the track. “Through the lyrics, I'm trying to understand what happens once the family loses its matriarch. Does everything just fall apart? And how much of myself do I lose along the way? I don't think I've found the answer, but it's been a cathartic process.”

Determined to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, James brings Beach Boys harmonies and a Belle & Sebastian style indie-pop sensibility into play within the track. As much as Debris Discs’ material aims to bring the listener on an emotional journey, it is also meant to entertain:    
“Musically, I was really interested in juxtaposing the heavy subject matter with a lightness of touch. In my head it's almost like a disco track. Not a dance floor filler per se, more one for the awkward feet shufflers hanging by the bar.”

Losing the Matriarch is released in digital formats on the 21st of April via Todmorden-based record label AnalogueTrash. It will also appear on the upcoming Debris Discs album Post War Plans, which is scheduled for release later this year

Losing the Matriarch

Debut album 'Post War Plans' out now on AnalogueTrash Records. 

Debris Discs is the solo venture of former Coves & Caves/My Side of the Mountain member James Eary. Nestled up in the hills of the High Peak in Derbyshire, James contrasts rural, understated songwriting with an arsenal of dusty synths, drum machines, effects pedals and a trusty old telecaster. The result is a kind of windswept, cinematic yet lo-fi soundscape with a resolutely pop sensibility. 

This is DIY music, homemade by someone probably too old to be sat at the end of the bed sharing songs on socials. This is spare-bedroom pop. Crafted while the kids are asleep and making use of any musical toys left lying around. Lyrics written on post-it notes stuck to the work laptop, melodies hummed on the school run and beats tapped-out while unloading the dishwasher. Humdrum origins that evolve into dreamy, enveloping washes of electronic, harmonic pop music.