Welsh Connections
Single Review.
Artist:
Zirenz
Title: ‘Dido’s Lament’
Zirenz are a Carmarthenshire based female duo featuring classically trained vocalist Bex Hazard and Cat Llewelyn. “Dido’s Lament” is the fourth single from their album “pOpera” and a rework of the aria by Henry Purcell from the opera “Dido and Aeneas”. The composition is electronic and trance, you could be forgiven for assuming “Dido’s Lament” would be nothing out of the ordinary for a track in the genre – until the operatic vocals come in. It certainly takes the song into a whole different direction.
I’m uncertain what the lyrical theme or background is other than the obvious betrayal, the words “when I am laid in earth” and “remember me but forget my fate” gives the impression of sorrow felt just before the death that was featured in the opera. It’s not very often you hear classical vocals mixed with electronic or synth based music, such use in contemporary music is mostly heard in metal or industrial bands or the “symphonic metal” genre (Nightwish for example) yet there is something strangely dark and almost gothic in a good way about “Dido’s Lament” somehow Zirenz’s version reminds me a bit of Norwegian band Octavia Sperati. One thing that is striking is the talent in Bex and Cat’s vocals, ranging from low tones to impressive high notes that soar throughout the track. Unique, emotional and hauntingly beautiful, this version of “Dido’s Lament” was truly unexpected.
Rosalys Anthony
Rosalys Anthony is a photographer from Merthyr Tydfil with a BA (Hons) in Creative Industries. Her interests are photography, graphic design, rock, electronic and indie music. She can often be found photographing local musicians and bands at gigs.