Single Review: Oli Spleen- Brother Let Me Live

As frontman of Pink Narcissus and previously The Flesh Happening and Machine, Brighton boy Oli Spleen likes to keep himselft busy. He's also a solo artist in his own right and will release his debut record 'Fag Machine' this coming Autumn. Previously branded as 'queer electro pop' and personally labelling his music as Faggoth / Pink Rock / Eclectro / Post Spunk, Oli is very quirky with his sense of style, sexualised persona and general sound as an artist. He makes no apologies for expressing himself or indirectly offending anyone.

His latest single 'Brother Let Me Live' was released on 5th January 2014 and it's certainly safe to say, Oli has started the New Year with a bang! Taking and blending influences from the music of the 1970’s and 80’s (from glam to punk, goth, electro, pop and disco) Spleen combined his influences to create a new sound that complimentes his ideas. He mainly aims to explore issues and themes he has abandoned in the past with Pink Narcissus, such as his sexuality and a sense of alienation.

With his bleak, monotone vocals, Spleen expresses his awkward emotions throughout 'Brother Let Me Live' by being seemingly emotionless on the outside. Even the music video for this track takes on a no-frills idea. Filmed at this year's Gay Pride (most likely in Brighton), Oli stands in front of the roaring, raging crowds, suggesting that he feels he even fails to merge with the gay scene at times.
The angsty, grunge melody is just subtle enough to allow Oli's vocals to come across as hazy and montonous yet mesmerising- almost as if he's aiming to tap into his listeners minds and emotions.

The concept and perspective of the song is dark yet expresses Spleen’s overriding urge to be uncompromisingly himself. His style is unapologetically British in the sense that is subtly expresses is negative sense of self-worth but encourages listeners to 'free their tortured soul...".

'Brother Let Me Live', with its musicality as repetive as Oli Spleen's overall message and concepts, is also underwhelming is the best sense- with an added bite. Its subtly is really what makes it and carries the message strongly.

3/5