Maida Vorn, the eccentrically wonderful and delightfully strange alter-ego of Mollie Clack, is continuing her consistent emergence onto Brighton’s music scene, with her fourth official release; River. Combining old-school sounds with dazzling modernity, Maida takes influence from a plethora of talent — from Kate Bush to Goldfrapp — creating multiple personas to reflect the aura of each song.
Vorn made her debut at The Notting Hill Arts Club in November 2019 and since has taken Brighton by storm; creating music with producer and fellow musician Matt Johnson, of Jamiroquai, who she met whilst studying at university. Speaking of her next release, Maida states; “River is a one way conversation between a seemingly witchy dominatrix and her doomed lover. With a couple of Adam and The Ants references put in for good measure”.
Beautifully produced, and eerily intense; River is a prime example of one of the many exciting musical endeavours currently happening in Brighton. Staggered kick drum and clicks ease us in, before a cluster of ominous electronic melodies and striking vocals take over; with every word, every syllable dripping with power and mystery — Maida’s vocal range and style is extraordinary; managing to pull you in with such force so effortlessly.
The track intensifies with each note, and you can feel the passion and devotion from a mile away. Vorn’s vocal power and control is staggering right to the very end; not excluding the bridge (the highlight in my opinion), coupled elegantly with swooping arpeggiated synth, and a few distorted vocal harmonies thrown in for good measure.
Certainly a dominant mark on the musical map, River carries you off downstream into a sea of dark magic, whispers and thrills; and I doubt we’ll be compelled to look back.