Label Spotlight: Learn Fear Records
Bradford is the home of a new hub of talent, in the form of brand new record label collective, Learn Fear Records. Named after a David Hockney artwork, they combine the work of musicians, visual artists, and filmmakers to put out a wide array of exciting content from local innovators. Their latest output comes from LELO with their single “I’ll Be Fine” which comes alongside a music video directed by Ben Hale. Singer Ronan Peaker describes the track:
“I think breaking up with a partner is very similar to mourning – there’s this overwhelming sea of emotion that takes over; anger, bitterness, sadness. But there’s also the fear of facing the unknown without this person – your rock by your side. This song is about me wading nervously through that period, determined to come back just as strong as I was."
Four piece LELO
The track opens with an intricate guitar lick, immediately sending echoes of early Radiohead deep cuts. A syncopated drum beat then comes in, providing a subtle but vital sense of groove to the track.
The video matches the quality, as it presents the vocalist set against a dreamy seaside landscape. He is seen to be pulled and pushed around by two mysterious black figures, mirroring the wrestling of emotions that is littered throughout the lyrical content. In the lead up to the first chorus, the instrumental drops from the forefront of the mix just for a few moments while the question is asked “Who can I turn to now?”, creating a real sense of loneliness both lyrically and sonically. The drum pattern slowly creeps back in and then the familiar guitar isn’t far behind, giving the listener a rewarding pay-off. Around the two-minute mark, the track reaches it’s bridge, where a dark tone begins to hang over the soundscape. Following a few seconds of tension, the hook comes back around before each member of the four-piece is given a chance to shine instrumentally - all of which execute their performances perfectly. Bombastic drums and unpredictable synth melodies give this sombre indie pop gem the final climax it deserves.
We had a quick chat with the label about their artists and upcoming events:
" The Learn Fear roster is diverse and the label is very proudly presenting cinematic alt-rock quartet Glass Mountain, odd electronic duo E X P E R I M E N T 6 3 7, Leeds based dark bedroom dream-pop outfit LELO, the crooning alt-country singer / songwriter Niall Summerton and the power-pop technicolour chaos of The Magic Eye Pictures.
The artists all became connected through recording at the Bradford based studio known as The Cellar Of Dreams. It became apparent that all the bands had various unique skills that would really benefit each other and so, after some pleasantries and introductions, the collective was formed. During the consumption of vast quantities of coffee and the writing and recording of many songs in the cellar, the label is now excited to release a limited edition 4 track compilation 12” EP on 'colour in colour' vinyl on 22nd November featuring:
LELO
Niall Summerton
The Magic Eye Pictures
E X P E R I M E N T 6 3 7 "
The EP is available to pre-order now at https://learnfear.tmstor.es/ and includes the 12” vinyl, a signed art print and four page booklet.
The label is also throwing an EP launch party at the renowned Brudenell Social Club in Leeds on Saturday 23rd November. All four artists featured on the EP are performing and tickets are on sale now. https://tinyurl.com/y2h99xgx
