Bottlemoth explore permanence and the passing of time in debut single 'Tattoo’
Indie-folk five-piece Bottlemoth are pleased to unveil their debut single ‘Tattoo’, released today, July 11th 2024, taken from their upcoming debut album ‘Even Us Ghosts’ out later this year.
Sometimes you have to take a step back before moving forward, and that’s exactly what Bottlemoth have done. Bottlemoth formed in January 2024 by the former members of Bridges. The band cut their teeth touring the UK under their previous moniker, playing tour supports with Slow Readers Club and festivals such as 2000 Trees, Isle of Wight and Glastonbury. Since returning to live in 2024 as Bottlemoth, the band have already performed alongside The Dangerous Summer, Cold Years, Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun and Adult Leisure. Previous releases have amassed over 130,000 streams and have been celebrated by the likes of Far Out Magazine, Clash and God Is In The TV.
Influenced by artists such as Manchester Orchestra, The Gaslight Anthem, The Wonder Years and Frightened Rabbit, their sound is honest and heartfelt, emotive and dynamic.
With their upcoming single ‘Tattoo’, the first to be taken from their debut album, the band decided to take on more of the production duties. Tattoo was written and produced by the band themselves across home studios, drums were produced with Joe Marsh at Orchard Studios and the track was mixed by Adrian Hall (Tori Amos, Bess Atwell, Nova Twins, Cassia) who’s experience and expertise helped the band’s vision develop into a unique sound.
Combining emotive vocals and wistful lyrics with uplifting soundscapes, Tattoo is an introspective rumination on the passing of time, permanence and change, whilst at its core is a heartfelt celebration of love and friendship.
Bleach my old blood
Skin and bone
Tattoo me love
Make it known
The years they melt, there is no hell
That could ever change us
Discussing the lyrical themes behind the single, vocalist and lyricist Ethan Proctor says, “I got my first tattoo when Chess and I met. Henry and Tom had lots already, and I’d maybe thought too much about the permanence before. Etching memories and art into your skin can be a wonderful thing, and I now have the buzz. Collecting them has become a real hobby now, but I don’t think I’ll ever be covered. I think people that can be fully covered in tattoos must have a strong sense of who they are, and that’s inspiring to me. We can riddle ourselves with doubt, and sometimes it’s hard to just do it.
Thinking on friendships that never change and on the people that will always be there, the lyrics came together. There is a synergy there with ink that lasts forever and those that will always be by your side. It’s a song about being lucky; it’s a song about things changing, and a song for when they never need to.”