A Remedy For Every Crime

Virginia Wing “Moon Turn Tides”

Merida Richards’ voice is aloof, deadpan, and very English – the sort of speak-sing that’s traditionally always worked so well with artsy post-punk and electronic music. In “Moon Turn Tides” she affects the arch imperiousness of the extraordinarily posh, starting off the song by cautioning the rabble in the audience to not touch anything – “it’s all very, very expensive.” From there on she’s singing about how you don’t belong, that you don’t know what you’re doing, and most hopeful things you hold on to are just a lie. The music emphasizes the feeling of alienation by giving you the indication that it’s a groovy pop song, but the off-kilter rhythms and cold, shrill textures keep it from ever sounding too comfortable or inviting. There’s a lot of pleasure to be found in the song, but it does require some small amount of masochism, and a willingness to play submissive to its cruel, domineering aesthetics.

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