Rats Tails are a decently new South East London rock band who formed after frontwoman Courtney McMahon ‘rediscovered her love of performance through singing in a David Bowie covers band’. The Bowie influence is clear as Rats Tails blend dreamy moderns sounds with classic 70s psychedelic rock to create the softest of their three releases so far ‘Flowers’.
‘Flowers’ starts gently and haunting, with a delicate instrumental intro broken by McMahon’s powerful voice. There is a melancholic crescendo before we enter the body of the song, almost reminiscent of Anais Mitchell’s brand of folk rock. “I wanted to let you know,” McMahon repeats as we’re treated to an acid rock-like combination of strings, wind (clarinet), and percussion.
Speaking on the meaning of the lyrics, McMahon explains that: “You’ll never know all of the Flowers” verbatim, was my response to a long term ex-partner admitting he loved the ‘idea’ of me, rather than actual me. After processing the end of this relationship and the weight of his misogyny, I began a journey of discovering what I wish to do in life. ‘Flowers’ is about embracing your personal metamorphosis: the ugly and beautiful parts of you and your history. The sound of the track reflects that metamorphosis – it’s so colourful, full of twists & turns. It plays with genres, resulting in a dreamy and chaotic song about embracing your life journey. ‘Flowers’ is a great track to perform live, I can’t help but dance away with the rats and our crowd. I forget that the track stems from a moment of misogyny.”
The song doesn’t seem entirely complete without its complimentary music video created by Samuel Hart. Reminiscent of an acid trip, it features a small candle creature battling a purple blob on the streets of Deptford until the video gradually transforms into a psychedelic kaleidoscope.
The official release party for the track is at iconic East London venue The George Tavern on Saturday 20th April where they’ll be supported by The Last Whole Earth Catalog and Lost Lyra.