Having presented music theory research on the band Royal Trux at international conferences in the UK and Australia, and clinching the 2022 American Prize in Composition for his piece, Symphony for Wind Band, Paul Royse aka Very Very Hot Evil has unveiled his debut album and its lead single / title track “Swinging Seraphim”.
The origins of Very Very Hot Evil trace back to 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee, and found its release through Belts & Whistles. The album delves deeply into the nuances of past relationships, weaving these experiences into narrative pieces filled with profound portrayals.
A classically trained pianist, music theorist, and composer, Royse is the creative force behind the art pop project Very Very Hot Evil. His song “Swinging Seraphim” not only stands out as a track but also lends its name to the album title.
The intriguing title, “Swinging Seraphim”, draws inspiration from a William S. Burroughs novel, capturing the euphoric highs of a drug-induced experience. Musically, “Swinging Seraphim” can be described as an intense exploration of fervent love, interspersed with themes of internal conflicts such as loss.
Royse’s approach to songwriting is both innovative and evocative. He seamlessly blends impressionist harmonies with intricate textures, encapsulated within unconventional song structures.
This progressive musical intent is most evident in the instrumentation. The piano, under Royse’s adept fingers, takes the lead, complemented by vocals captured through an intricate microphone setup, enhancing the depth and richness of the sound.
Listen to “Swinging Seraphim” below.
#Peace.Love.SwingingSeraphim
