Circe unpicks toxic hyper-masculinity in the dark pop of "Ruined Your Sons"

Melancholic, dramatically synthy and packing an emotional gut-punch, Circe continues to ooze all kinds of dreamy dark pop with new release “Ruined Your Sons”. Focussing on toxic masculinity and society’s obsession with the hypermasculine, Circe continues to use her platform to highlight the deeper issues in society.

“The song journeys through a story of the male gaze, battling with a sensitivity I believe/hope is buried beneath the surface of machismo,” she explains of the inspiration behind the track. “People in power have let generations of young people down. From the lack of in-depth queer-inclusive sex education that actually represents contemporary sex lives, to the under-representation of the female gaze in porn.“

Underpinned by grungy synths and a persistent, almost plodding beat, Circe's unique and fragile voice hovers above the texture with almost angelic elegance. The effect is a dimly lit, pulpy soundscape not dissimilar to that of the nostalgic scores being used for shows such as Netflix's Stranger Things.

Expanding further, Circe notes, "’Ruined your sons' is a lament for the vulnerable human heart. It shines a light on a world that can be quick to view vulnerability as a weakness, and where shows of emotion are Ill-advised; both of which are our greatest strengths particularly when it comes to love and sex."

An intimate and understated gem that burns its way slowly towards emotional and textural climax, “Ruined Your Sons” progressively unravels towards the finale as the very fabric of the texture comes apart, evocative of Circe's clear perception on the fractured nature of society itself.