Photo by Ryan Hart
Leaving is never easy; leaving home, leaving a toxic relationship or leaving a dead-end job are life altering decisions fraught with fear and uncertainty. All too often the familiar framework of the known, no matter how constricting, is preferable to the terrifying expanse of the unknown, leaving us to marinate in our discomfort. Finding the strength to remove oneself from situations or people that prevent personal development is a monumental challenge with incalculable personal rewards. Chicago’s Dehd celebrate that powerful sense of liberation and learning to accept oneself on their latest single, Loner.
Loner is unfiltered indie rock from every angle; frontwoman Emily Kempf applies her unique vocal approach over jangly guitar with just a touch of reverb as the smooth, rounded bassline dances around staccato percussion. The overall effect feels like a sunrise, warm and affirming and even a little celebratory in a sleepy, self-assured kind of manner. A sensation of relaxed confidence pervades the track, buoyed by an empowering mantra of repeated couplings “I’ve got it, I’m fine,” an anthem for stepping out on your own and forging your own path even if it means going it alone.
If there’s one area where Dehd consistently shines it’s their video output and Loner is no exception. Once again teaming up with boundary pushing entertainer Alex Grelle, Loner opens on a glammed up angel unceremoniously dumped from the kingdom of heaven onto a harsh and arid desert of the real. As the initial shock of her expulsion wears off she comes to terms with her sudden solitude and begins a journey of self discovery. Increasingly confident, she struts through the wasteland, abandoning false wings for the sturdy earthbound locomotion of her own two legs, reveling in the freedom to finally be herself.
After passing through the burned out framework of the gates of hell, the angel finds herself transported to a den of sin populated with a scene of seductive succubi. In this unfamiliar world of liquor and lingerie the angel sticks out prominently, but rather than suppressing her nature to adopt the attire and mannerisms of her surroundings, as she likely did in heaven, the angel embraces her uniqueness in this unfamiliar environment. Her confidence is recognized, her kink is accepted, and her presence is ultimately welcomed as she finds her place among the denizens of hell.
Social acceptance is borne from self acceptance, not from surrendering or conforming to external expectations. Being a loner is not always a bad thing. Breaking away, spending time alone, learning to understand and communicate with the person inside will unleash true potential and happiness unburdened by arbitrary obligations to societal norms. It is then we all find our place, our people, ourselves.
Dehd’s upcoming album, ‘Flower Of Devotion’, is out July 17th. Follow the band on Instagram.
