London-based band World Coda brings a unique blend of abject-gaze music, fusing agony and melancholy in their shoegaze and post-metal style. Their debut EP, Before Eclipse I, serves as an introduction to their dark and ethereal world. Guitarist, vocalist, and arranger Yao Li shares insights into the band’s formation and creative process.
World Coda originated as a duo project in Canada before expanding into a quartet upon Yao Li’s move to the UK. Influenced by a mix of heavy J-Rock and post-metal/shoegaze, the band’s music transcends genres, emphasizing creative autonomy over traditional classifications. Li’s previous project, Merrow, laid the foundation for World Coda’s dark, melancholic aesthetic, offering a platform for musical exploration and growth.
The band coined the term “abject-gaze, post-metal desire” to encapsulate their sound. Drawing inspiration from psychoanalytic concepts, particularly Julia Kristeva’s notion of the abject, World Coda’s music delves into themes of identity, desire, and darkness. Li’s multidisciplinary background in psychoanalysis, coupled with her bandmates’ diverse occupations, enriches the band’s sonic landscape.
Having been part of Pest Productions, a renowned label in the metal scene, World Coda values the community and exposure it provides. Li recognizes the label’s role in connecting musicians and audiences, fostering a supportive environment for niche genres. Contrasting the UK and Chinese music scenes, Li notes the vibrant growth potential in China’s emerging underground scene, while highlighting the industrialized nature of the UK music industry.
Looking ahead, World Coda’s upcoming EPs and album promise to explore themes of intimacy, love, and madness. Li’s lyrical narratives draw from philosophical concepts and personal experiences, creating a poignant and immersive listening experience. The band’s live performances are characterized by dense guitar textures, intricate song structures, and emotive vocals, offering audiences a transcendent sonic journey.
Before Eclipse I, World Coda’s debut EP, is set for release on July 12, inviting listeners into a world of dark, atmospheric soundscapes. With future releases like Before Eclipse II and III on the horizon, the band continues to push boundaries and challenge conventional genre norms, embodying the essence of abject-gaze music.
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