Following the release of their acclaimed 2024 debut EP ‘This Old House’, London-based experimental rock trio Mary In The Junkyard return with their latest single, ‘Drains’ – a raw, guitar-heavy descent into the murkier edges of their sonic world.
The band – comprised of Clari Freeman-Taylor (vocals, guitar), Saya Barbaglia (bass, viola), and David Addison (drums) – have quickly made waves in the UK’s underground scene. All classically trained and rooted in South London’s DIY circuit, they’ve built a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic new acts in the country. With a recent NME cover and support for the UK tour of major indie rock group Wet Leg, Mary In The Junkyard are quickly becoming a formidable presence both on and off stage.
‘Drains’ sees the trio embrace a heavier, more abrasive palette. The track is a distorted, guitar-driven meditation on the unseen – a tribute to the cities bustling and forgotten underground. As the song builds to its climax, Addison’s frenzied drumming collides with Freeman-Taylor’s visceral, cathartic scream, pushing the band’s emotional and aural boundaries.
The single reveals Mary In The Junkyard’s movement into a new musical direction. Moving away from the delicate energy of their debut single ‘Tuesday’, ‘Drains’ shows a fearlessness in the exploration of the band’s sonic potential. This single showcases the band’s versatility, lyrical prowess, and strong technical ability.
In a statement about the inspiration behind the track, Freeman-Taylor shared: “I’m curious about the bowels of the city. We don’t see what’s below, but there are so many pipes and caves. My friend once said, ‘If you bury yourself, I will dig you out again,’ and I wanted to immortalise that because it made me feel so warm.”
Accompanying the release is a striking visual directed by Edie Lawrence. The video fuses live-action and puppetry to illustrate the story of a man dwelling in the sewers, silently observing the lives of those above him. It’s a surreal and arresting visual that signals a bold new artistic chapter for the band.
Mary In The Junkyard show no signs of slowing down following their recent supporting tour, with plans to tour the USA in September 2024. Their latest track, ‘Drains’, marks the second single released since their debut EP, fuelling speculation about a potential full-length album. You can also read our review of their previous single, ‘This Is My California’ here.
