Since their formation back in 2001 The Raveonettes — comprised of Sune Rose Wagner (guitar, vocals, production) and Sharin Foo (v0cals, bass) — have developed a reputation for uncompromisingly forging their own path both creatively and stylistically, as well as for relentless experimentation. Now, if you’ve been frequenting this site for a while you’d know that throughout this year the Danish duo have released a single on the last Friday of every month as part of their Rave Sound of the Month — and that a number of artists have adopted the format. While acknowledging the fact that the blogosphere and streaming services have been wonderful for artists building fanbases and receiving attention for their work, it has also managed to shorten the publicity and promotion cycle. And as a result, it forces artists to come out with something almost as soon as they just finished something. However, there are some remarkable benefits to a single of the month series for an artist: first, they fulfill the blogosphere’s need for constant content while hopefully catching rapidly shortening attention spans; second, and perhaps more important in the creative sense, is the fact that the artist is now no longer constrained to creative with a particularly cohesive style or theme in mind, nor do they have to worry about how something fits in with their past catalog and reputation; third, whereas most artists would spend a great deal of time reflecting, revising, revising, revising and then revising some more or waiting time hoping that inspiration would come to them, a looming deadline forces the artist to cut the bullshit and to go with their instincts. It’s a difficult but exciting balance of unlimited possibility and strict limitation — but one that’s also strangely liberating.
The Rave Sound of the Month’s latest single “Won’t You Leave Me Alone” is a bitter tell off from a jilted and exasperated lover, who’s sick of a partner, who just won’t get the hint that she has had enough — and it’s time for them to go. And the song is paired with a towering and jagged soundscape of swirling and buzzing guitar chords, and thundering drumming that reminds me of The Jesus and Mary Chain — but much more anthemic. And while listening to the song I guarantee you that you’ll be familiar with the sentiment from both ends.