Erotic Secrets of Pompeii (ESOP) have unleashed their latest single, “The Hand That Did the Deed,” and it’s a sonic whirlwind that demands attention. The track is a kaleidoscope of avant-garde artistry and eccentric rock that blends an array of influences into a single and irresistible package.
One would expect nothing less from Erotic Secrets of Pompeii.
From the start, the song’s intense sprechgesang vocals captivate with an urgent and almost dramatic flair. The rhythm section features a syncopated push-and-pull that cuts a groove that is both disorienting and irresistible. Over this foundation are swirling guitars that create complex patterns, while a piano with an intriguingly unconventional touch adds an unpredictable twist. Imagine if King Crimson had a jam session with Britpop icons and a dash of Captain Beefheart’s quirkiness.
Once again, Erotic Secrets of Pompeii sends me to the good ol’ interwebs in search of the meaning and knowledge. This time for the meaning of Rabelaisian imagery. It’s what I enjoy about the band. Not only am I going to get a great tune, but I know I will also gain knowledge and be educated in something new. With “The Hand That Did the Deed” diving into the surreal realm with Rabelaisian imagery it offers a detached confession that explores the darker sides of the psyche.
This lyrical approach is matched by the frenetic energy of the accompanying video, shot at a secret Bristol location under the sweltering summer sun. Captured through the inventive lens of recurring collaborator Saul Knight, the visual spectacle features the band in technicolour suits made from rubber gloves.
Following their critically acclaimed debut album Mondo Maleficum and a high-energy UK tour, the single not only marks a significant moment in ESOP’s evolution but is a stand out testament to their creative growth and boundary pushing ethos. “The Hand That Did the Deed” maintains their distinctive and genre-blending identity as they once again defy categorisation all in the name of fucking innovative rock.
Catch Erotic Secrets on Pompeii on the following dates
15-Sept Naughty Corner, Mendips, UK
28-Sept Gathering Sounds, Stockton-on-Tees, UK
11-Oct Supersonic, Paris, FR
15-Oct Glocksee, Hannover, DE
16-Oct Kinett, Kusel, Germany, DE
18-Oct Binario 69, Bologna, IT
22-Oct Amore & Psyche fest @Trenta Formiche, Rome, IT
24-Oct Marla, Perugia, IT
25-Oct Spazioporto, Taranto, IT
16-Nov West End Centre, Aldershot, UK
30-Nov Signature Brew, Haggerston, UK
