"Mother of God" is a striking debut from Imogen and the Knife

Employing ‘the Knife’ as a defiant reclaim of power, Imogen and The Knife's her name alone lays out a compelling statement. After acting as a motif throughout her life, the surgical knife has now been reframed to signify Imogen’s artistic expression. It’s a symbol that manifests itself both lyrically and sonically.

"Mother of God" marks the beginning of her endeavours. Blending thematic pensiveness with intricately layered instrumentation, each line sees her intentions for the project unfold with exactitude. Simultaneously personal and expansive, it’s a nuanced showpiece of the newcomer’s sound.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the track, Imogen explains: “‘Mother of God! This can’t be the only one’ is a waking realisation that unless addressed, the dream, and the pain, won’t leave. Which is apt because after it was written, the recurring dream at least, did.”

An inward look at a failing relationship, it’s an entrancing immersion into the world of Imogen and the Knife. Weaving together sombre, guitar-laden verses with brash horn sections during the chorus, there’s a dynamic intensity that prevails throughout the record. Between orchestral instrumentation and modern production tendencies, elements of neo-soul, R&B, and pop culminate into impactful, eclectic arrangements.

Reined by evocative leading vocals, Imogen creates a compelling visual backdrop to the piece. “Then the door flew open and all the people sat around / A mosaic of everybody who had ever let me down.” she recounts. Visceral yet refined, the strength in Imogen’s lyrical abilities shines through vivid imagery. Providing a collection of fleeting snapshots, heart-rending delivery effortlessly captures the emotional resonance of her experiences.

Much like her title, Imogen and the Knife executes "Mother of God" with both precision and unwavering honesty. As the first offering from a new body of work, it’s a promising introduction to what is yet to unfold.