We Speak Music
Etherdene’s “Forsaker” Captures the Power of Letting Go
Etherdene’s ‘Forsaker’ is a revelation in both sound and sentiment. The track marks a new chapter in her career, blending the vulnerability of heartbreak with the resilience of moving on, all wrapped in an electrifying package of synth-pop and indie-pop. The result is a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, a cathartic journey that encourages listeners to let go and rise above their challenges.
At the heart of ‘Forsaker’ is Etherdene’s exploration of emotional struggle and the painful yet liberating act of letting go. Drawing from her own experiences with the end of a professional partnership, Etherdene’s lyrics are a raw and powerful expression of inner conflict. The line, “Brand new member in the club of quitters, the uniform compliments my eyes,” encapsulates the complex emotions of giving up, flipping the narrative on its head to reveal the strength in choosing to walk away.
‘Forsaker’ is a triumph. Etherdene’s decision to incorporate synth bass arps brings an air of 80s nostalgia while keeping the track fresh and forward-thinking. The electric guitar work from Cory Clark adds a layer of dynamism to the song, complementing its mood perfectly. However, it’s the drums – played by Warren van Wyk – that truly elevate the track, infusing it with energy and warmth that feels almost magical.
What sets ‘Forsaker’ apart is its empowering message. Etherdene isn’t merely recounting a painful experience; she’s showing us the strength that comes from letting go of something that no longer serves you. It’s a message of courage and self-love, encouraging listeners to prioritize their emotional well-being over the fear of walking away from something that seems promising but ultimately isn’t right.
‘Forsaker’ is yet another example of Etherdene’s impressive versatility as an artist. From her early days in the Afrikaans band Kaktus to her current solo career, she has continually pushed the boundaries of what indie-pop can be. With ‘Forsaker’, she’s taken an emotional experience and turned it into a musical triumph that’s as empowering as it is catchy. This track is bound to resonate with anyone who’s ever had to make the difficult decision to walk away – and Etherdene’s ability to capture that moment in song is nothing short of remarkable.
‘Wild for the Weekend’ is the 2nd single from Zkeletonz’ forthcoming debut album ‘OUT!’—self-produced and featuring mixing and mastering by Sam Wheat (Nile Rodgers) and Alex Gopher (Chromeo, Ed Banger).
This is independent electro-disco at full power, channelling the spirits of Breakbot, Phoenix, Daft Punk’s Homework, and classic Ed Banger French Touch, but from the UK scene. The band blend synth-pop, disco, and indie and create music designed for movement, with a distinctively stylish and ironic edge.
DIY-built, the band is bringing synth pop to a new generation and selling out 500-capacity London venues 100% independently. Gracing festival stages in their hometown of Coventry and across the UK for BBC Introducing in addition to touring internationally in Berlin, Amsterdam and Malta, as well as hitting radio airwaves like BBC 6Music’s Fresh Finds and John Kennedy’s X-Posure, the band has built a reputation for high-energy performances, sharp visuals, and an uncompromising artistic vision.
Debut Zkeletonz album ‘OUT!’ is a sonic love letter to London club culture and late-night events. But with a focus on the unique and unforgettable experience only live music can provide. As the band continue to crowdfund the Vinyl / CD production of the Album, the album’s full supporting campaign for the album will launch Fri 30th May with an explosive free Gig at The Finsbury, in advance of in-store appearances and a physical Vinyl drop in August, before finally a huge show at Camden Underworld (500 capacity) on Fri 12th Dec.
This incredible achievement from Zkeletonz with no label, management or agency will follow self-promoted headline gigs at Highbury Garage and Hackney OSLO, plus regular slots at huge UK festivals like Feastival with CHIC & Nile Rodgers; All Points East, London alongside Foals and Jamie XX; and in Camden with Shalamar and Soul II Soul.
On the new single, Zkeletonz said, “”Wild for the Weekend” means the world to us. It’s the final track on ‘OUT!’—an epic, emotional closer that captures the essence of our recent experiences exploring music together. We’re lucky to be 3 best friends who have persevered for years as a creative collective, since high school. But this is the first song we’ve ever made entirely through a studio-based process, layering up that classic Korg M1 synth while we were deep-diving into Detroit Techno, Chicago House, and the many legends from postmodern French electronica. Lyrically it’s about how partying—those wild, crazy weekends—can sometimes be something that fixes or stabilises a turbulent romance. It’s raw, it’s alive, and we absolutely cannot wait to share this one with a crowd.”
As always, production by the band’s own electronic drummer and multi-instrumentalist member Ed Trotsky (also Runrummer, Coin Operated Boy) forms the centrepiece of Zkeletonz as a creative project and endeavour, weaving sonically from 1980s and 2000s synth influences including classic pop by the Pet Shop Boys and Human League, and tasteful, contemporary blogwave, alternative and indie sounds similar to Confidence Man, Sofi Tukker and The Dare.
Upcoming 2025 Zkeletonz tour dates:
FRI MAY 30th @ THE FINSBURY, ISLINGTON for GoToBeat, free entry:
https://gotobeat.com/gig/zkeletonz-live-in-finsbury/
FRI JUN 13th @ PAPER DRESS VINTAGE, HACKNEY with Concrete Natives:
https://paperdressvintage.co.uk/
SAT JUN 21st @ DASH THE HENGE record shop, CAMBERWELL, 5pm
https://dashthehengestore.com/
SAT DEC 12th @ CAMDEN UNDERWORLD (self-promoted Headline).
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