Ever since Desperate Journalist began their musical career back in 2012, they have managed to sustain a high calibre of sound, that just seems to be getting better and better with time. There seems to be no end to their talent, expanding soundscapes and ability to impress from all directions. They are one of the few bands around that have defined a generation, but could quite easily belong to its predecessors. Melancholic, anthemic and euphoric, Desperate Journalist wear their angst in a diaphanous drape of darkwave, that soars to the cutting edge of etherealism. They are the supreme post-punk band, whose jagged riffs, rumble beats and stellar synths are smoothed over by the immaculate and pristine vocals. Comprised of Jo Bevan on vocals, Rob Hardy on guitar, Simon D Rowner on bass, and Caroline “Caz” Helbert on drums, Desperate Journalist have won over a legion of fans, as well as having toured with Chameleons Vox and Suede.
As a frontwoman, Bevan ticks all the boxes. She is a powerhouse of talent, with a voice that completely consumes, engulfs and uplifts. Blessed with a three-octave range voice, Bevan is like the love-child of Bjork, Harriet Wheeler, PJ Harvey and Sonya Maden. She is pure class, an elemental force of nature that battles the storms of life with an inflamed spirit of grit, emancipation and grace. If Desperate Journalist had been around during the Britpop era, no doubt they would have been compared and championed with the same light as bands such as Marion, Elastica, Sleeper, Suede and Echobelly, whilst flying the flag for that multi-faceted guitar-laden band.
They are quintessential post-punk who can alternate effortlessly between the jangly, idiosyncratic individualism of The Smiths, with the wistful escapism similar to the twee-popsters Camera Obscura, yet feel the windswept breeze and Kohl stained darkness likened to The Cure, early The Chameleons and The Manic Street Preachers. They are the soundtrack for the moving pictures of post-punk, whose emotions are captured in shadow stills, and open spaces, evolving with the seasons and a backdrop of cinematic aesthetics, tangled in a noir celluloid film strip. There is something earthy, sensual and intangible about Desperate Journalist, who emit that elusive star-quality that sees them shine above their peers, whilst paying homage to their influences, and the innovators of the C86 generation.
Taken from their forthcoming fifth album “No Hero“, released on 27th September 2024 their second single “Afraid” released on 24th July 2024 has been selected as The Manc Review’s “Single Of The Month”. It’s a mesmerising track that stays true to the sentiments and deep yearnings of Desperate Journalist’s back catalogue, whilst diving into the deep-end of dark romanticism. It’s a sublime track, that roams the junctions of alternative rock and submerges into the celestial wonders of darkwave. Through the stunning vocals of Bevan, “Afraid” soars towards the shimmery sanctuary of ethereal-rock, whilst soul surrendering from afar. Along with the flicker synths, jangly riffs, rattle riffs and bolt of guitar-electro currents, “Afraid” ignites the skies of post-punk in a fiery crimson of aurora acceleration whilst colliding with the solar-flares of New Wave.