We first heard from Euphemia Rise in October of 2020 upon the release of his sophomore single ‘Farewell to Greatness.’ That track introduced us to Belgian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist producer Wim Lankriet. From 2009 to 2013, Lankriet fronted the popular Psychedelic Rock band ‘Magdelena Solis.’ Last year he launched his solo project to explore musical styles and lyrical themes of significance in his own personal life.
With a sound that recalls classic Goth acts from the 80’s and 90’s, as well as modern Shoegaze and Post-rock bands like King Woman and True Widow, Euphemia Rise creates dark and contemplative music that deals candidly with timely issues of sexual identity and anxiety. That first single gave us a sneak peek into Wim’s artistic vision. This month he unveils the complete journey with the release of his debut album.
“Born a Cow” is the brand new album from Euphemia Rise, released worldwide to all major streaming services on September 8, 2021. The record consists of eight short songs, each serving as an individual vignette within the larger narrative of sensitive people struggling to find a path to happiness and security in an increasingly unforgiving and dismissive world. From the opening synths and strings of the title track to the minor-key arpeggios and closing words “please just go away, please just stay away” of ‘Heaven in Your Hands,’ the album takes us on a dark journey through depression and the trauma of suppressed memory.
Lyrically the record paints a portrait of a soul falling victim to their own innocence and the opportunistic abuse of others. For instance, on the track ‘Half Your Life’ Wim sings, “I let somebody do this to me. I let somebody make me want to die.” Throughout the record the protagonist struggles with that reality and attempts to rise above it. Ultimately, that survival instinct of rising above adversity is the real theme here. Even as the record explores subjects like prostitution, sadomasochism and rape, the itent is to connect with others fighting similar battles and to find healing and solace in that familiarity.
I wanted the lyrics to be candid, shameless and dark, but in a way that would make people feel good about themselves, and provide comfort and self-acceptance.
Wim Lankriet (Euphemia Rise)
Musically, “Born a Cow ” continues Euphemia Rise’s exploration of classic Darkwave and modern Indie Goth. Analog synths meet melodic guitar riffs and reverb-soaked power chords to create a rich mix of Alternative Rock, Synthwave and Gothic Metal. Lankriet pairs his classically inspired piano compositions with dark electronic elements and anthemic guitars for a powerfully dramatic sound to match the deadly serious tone of the lyrics. The record will ring true with fans of all flavors of Dark Pop from across the decades.
Check out the “Surviving the Dreams” video below (starring Itzel Bernal and Kamila Bartków). You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. Listen to the entire “Born a Cow” album on your favorite streaming service. Follow the links below the video to connect with Euphemia Rise and get in the loop on all of the current and future projects from this talented and complex artist.
Connect with Euphemia Rise
