Listen: Du Blonde - "Black Flag"
We’ve encountered Newcastle's Beth Jeans Houghton and her wiry art-pop before, but night has evidently fallen on Houghton, giving rise to her new persona, Du Blonde.
Replete with cover art right out of a horror B-movie or Cramps album, Du Blonde’s debut single, “Black Flag”, skulks like The Creature from the Black Lagoon oozing from the swamp. Robustly constructed atop a brawny heavy metal stomp, with a smidge of eerie fun house synths for good measure, Houghton cannily vamps akin to rock’s resident vampire, Nick Cave.
It’s a striking about face from Houghton’s previous work, the next “step closer to assuming [her] ultimate form”, one that is seemingly borne of catharsis:
"Black Flag is a good representation of the direction of the album. There are a few quieter, thoughtful tracks but the general mood is one of finally cracking. The record is a powerful release for me. It's the result of finally sitting down and taking a look at my life, what I was angry about, what I needed to change."
Houghton’s debut Du Blonde album is due out later this spring courtesy of Mute Records and catch her live tonight at The Roundhouse in London and 22 February at the 6 Music Festival in Newcastle.
- SXSW London offer 500+ passes to local charities and community groups in East London
- Oklou announces forthcoming debut album, choke enough
- Nala Sinephro, Arooj Aftab, Anna von Hausswolff are among the first artists for Rewire 2025
- Tiny Habits team up with Lizzy McAlpine for new single, "For Sale Sign"
- Kate Nash details OnlyFans campaign, Butts For Tour Buses
- Omar Apollo unveils new single, "Te Maldigo"
- Saya Gray presents new single, "H.W.B"
Get the Best Fit take on the week in music direct to your inbox every Friday
