The rapidly emerging London band mary in the junkyard delves into the tumult, release, and emotional depths of their unrefined, poetic track “drains” – examining themes of connection, isolation, and the delicate rituals that bind us together.
Listen: “drains” – mary in the junkyard
It’s crucial to take care of yourself, prepare nutritious meals, and eat your broccoli.
* * *
Slipping down the drain has never sounded so personal – or so vibrant.
mary in the junkyard’s newest single is a delicate yet fierce dreamlike experience: a powerful alternative expression grounded in entrancing guitars, primal beats, and Clari Freeman-Taylor’s sparkling, emotionally charged vocals. She delivers her lines in a captivated state – each breath trembling, every verse balancing between confessional and cathartic. “drains” is intense. It’s unrefined. It’s gritty. It embodies everything that positions mary in the junkyard as one of the UK’s most thrilling bands at this moment – a title they continuously earn instead of pursue.
drains – mary in the junkyard
I’ve searched all around for you
In the city’s drains
I’ve been trying to find words to describe you
I don’t even know what you mean to me
You’re a bright light,
a comforting noise, a long hallway
A red moth in my room darting at my head
A wise woman at the bar quietly weeping
A gentle uproar
As their first release of the year, “drains” reveals the London trio of Freeman-Taylor (vocals, guitar), Saya Barbaglia (bass, viola), and David Addison (drums) digging deep – both literally and metaphorically.
“I’m fascinated by the underbelly of the city,” Freeman-Taylor shares with Atwood Magazine. “All the rain and waste in London flows into unknown sources; we have an impressive network of pipes and tunnels beneath our feet! You get soaked by rain, and it vanishes into the earth; we never see our waste again, which is incredible! We don’t know what lies below, but there are many pipes and caverns, and a friend once said, ‘If you bury yourself, I will dig you out again.’ I wanted to capture that because it filled me with warmth.” This evocative line becomes the song’s haunting, heartfelt bridge – a moment of hope shrouded in pain, vulnerability, and unconditional love: “If you bury yourself, I will dig you out again / That’s what lovers do.”
mary in the junkyard consists of the London-based trio Clari Freeman-Taylor (vocals, guitar), Saya Barbaglia (bass, viola), and David Addison (drums) © Herbie Bone
“drains” resonates with both visceral and poetic qualities, capturing the overwhelming surge of urban life and the soft pain of yearning for connection.
“This song’s lyrics are most akin to our debut track ‘Tuesday,’” Freeman-Taylor notes. “It was composed during a similar period, when I had just relocated to London and was struck by the rapid pace of life—trying to navigate a vast ocean of people. You somehow find your way, which is wonderful. But it can also be exhausting—maybe our energy drains away down the pipes too.”
But I only came here to experience my body
I am a ghost; where are my bones?
How can you blame me for not feeling sorry?
My birthday card got lost in the mail
And it’s a bright light, a comforting noise, a long hallway
A red moth in my room darting at my head
A wise woman at the bar quietly weeping
A gentle uproar
There’s a nearly sacred significance to the imagery she conjures: “You’re a bright light, a comforting noise, a long hallway / A red moth in my room flitting at my head / A wise woman at the bar quietly weeping / A gentle uproar.” It’s cryptic and kaleidoscopic – part love letter, part identity crisis, part existential outcry.
“A lot of the lyrics are directed toward a mysterious, hidden figure – I think it reflects the quest for connection with others,” Freeman-Taylor muses. “At times, we move past each other so quickly that authentic friendship becomes incredibly valuable. I deeply cherish my conversations with people I care about, and finding true friends can be challenging – especially initially when you move to a new place. Much love to kindred spirits.”
And yes, there’s a scream – a genuine, primal one – waiting at the close of the track. “I believe it’s quite a cathartic rock piece,” Freeman-Taylor says. “I hope people find it freeing, enjoyable, and groovy, and that they embrace the scream at the end.”
But if you bury
Since releasing their debut single in 2023, the Brighton-based quartet The New Eves have cultivated a devoted following thanks to their wonderfully offbeat, genre-defying creations. With their first album, ‘The New Eve Is Rising,’ the band is expanding their musical range even more.
Chloe Star has made a strong return with her new EP named ‘APT 1101’. This daring release from the emerging alt-rock artist features five tracks that deliver a
Grey Streak and Elijah have teamed up for a new track titled 'Levels'. Grey Streak represents the recording journey of S. Westwood, a versatile artist from Liverpool, who plays a significant role in this project.
The creative duo from St. Louis, Frost Children, has released a new track titled 'WHAT IS WHATEVER FOR'. This sibling pair was raised with a deep passion for blog house and emerging sounds.
Nick Murphy's Chet Faker is back with "Far Side of the Moon," drawing listeners into a whirlpool of distance, commitment, and introspection in relationships.
Devon Ross has always lived in her own realm. Surrounded by music since she was born and traveling the globe along the way, she has honed her ability to create her
The quickly emerging London trio mary in the junkyard delves into the tumult, catharsis, and emotional depths of their raw, poetic track “drains,” examining themes of connection, disconnection, and the delicate rituals that unite us.