A Deep Dive into Shadowlight with Defences: A Journey Through Self-Acceptance and Growth

We sat down with Defences to discuss their latest album, ‘Shadowlight', where the warmth of their honest insights revealed it as a true labour of love. Released on November 8th 2024, the album represents a pivotal point in the band’s evolution, exploring themes of self-acceptance and the trials of personal growth.

The conversation began with a nod to the album's inception, which stemmed from a moment of serendipity during their writing sessions. Following their second album, guitarist Calum explains “we'd essentially written another album's worth of material that felt like a bridge to the next thing.” He continues "because of the vibe and the different feel to it, we all thought, hang on, this is a lot closer to what we want to be doing—like, our sound." This was the starting point for ‘Shadowlight', a record that would take the band on an emotional rollercoaster, reflecting both their individual and collective experiences.

As we dive into the album, it becomes clear that the journey isn’t merely linear. ‘The Curse’ opens the record with a weighty introspection that sets the tone for what’s to come. “I think it just felt like the perfect introduction into what we were doing,” lead singer, Cherry details, “the riff comes in quite hard, so it gets people going straight away.” This powerful opening not only captures the essence of the album, but also invites listeners to embark on a transformative emotional journey.

Transitioning into ‘Gold in the Dark,’ listeners are greeted with a sense of hope amidst despair. The lyrics serve as a testament to the resilience found within vulnerability. “I’d come across this quote about finding the gold in the dark and finding positives within all of the negativity that you're dealing with,” Cherry explains. “There's this sentiment of being trapped, of being driven by habit rather than necessarily by active conscious decisions” adds Calum. This balance between darkness and light, and the process of finding yourself, become recurring themes throughout ‘Shadowlight' to underscore the album’s exploration of the human experience.

For ‘Ego (Maniac),’ “you get a little bit of the shadow self's perspective, which is kind of cool,” Cherry reveals, “it's the only track on the album that does that.” Calum adds, “I see this one as the Disney villain introduction song for Shadow Cherry.” This approach not only enriches the lyrics but also enhances the sharp, driving instrumentation, which perfectly matches the song’s message and offers a fresh perspective by shining a light on the darker versions of ourselves.

Among the standout tracks are ‘Perish’ and ‘Breathe It In,’ which explore the complexity of navigating emotions. ‘Perish’ presents an unflinching acknowledgement of darker feelings, delivering a moment of raw honesty that many listeners will find relatable. “You can't separate yourself from it, so you have to accept and embrace it” Cherry outlines. Acting as a next step in this personal growth journey, we find ‘Breathe It In’ which emerges as an anthem of resilience. “'Perish' is about the acknowledgement and then 'Breathe It In' is about that self-acceptance” Cherry adds, emphasizing the importance of finding peace amidst struggle.

Meanwhile, ‘Silence & the Sound’ takes a more reflective turn, seamlessly blending the past and present in a way only Defences could pull off. Cherry shared some insight into its production, “I spent a lot of time walking to a field near my house and would do a lot of self-reflection. I started talking to myself and having profound conversations about life, so I started recording voice notes.” Those notes found their way into the final track, woven into the soundscape to enhance its emotional depth. “It’s like a musical onomatopoeia” says Calum, reflecting on the song’s ending “you're transported to that field with Cherry, there are none of these voices all you can hear is the outside and birds.” The result is a track that’s intimate yet expansive, perfectly capturing the essence of the album's themes.

As the album progresses, the poignant ‘Inspirit’ takes centre stage, resonating deeply with the band’s experiences. Inspired by their journeys through grief, the track captures an intimacy that feels both raw and transformative. "There's no symbolism, there's no analogy or parable, it's just us singing to the people that we've lost," Calum explains, noting that the minimal instrumentation was a deliberate choice to preserve the song’s vulnerability. “The decision to build into nothing [for the ending] is quite reflective of the topic matter,” he says, echoing the poetic symmetry in their music.

‘The Almost’ and ’Greatness’ follow, creating a dynamic exploration of self-perception and achievement. ‘The Almost’ reflects on the feeling of being caught in limbo, while ‘Greatness’ critiques the societal pressures to succeed. Cherry describes ‘The Almost’ as being in this state of limbo, "It’s a little like the Upside Down from Stranger Things, where you're neither here nor there," she continues, "the beauty about being in that place is it gives you the ability to see both sides clearly.” Then comes ‘Greatness,’ adding another layer to this concept, Calum states “it’s essentially a similar message to 'The Almost', but it's coming at it from a different angle.” He continues to point out the irony in the title, stating “it's the greatness that you were all meant for. It's what should have been rather than what could have been.” Together, these tracks reveal the complexity of ambition and the importance of self-acceptance.

The title track, ‘Shadowlight,’ serves as a powerful conclusion, encapsulating the entire journey. Cherry reveals that the lyrics were penned early in the process, predicting her own personal growth. “It was kind of a bit of an attempt at foreshadowing or manifestation,” she explains. As the final track unfolds, it ties together the album’s themes of resolution and acceptance. Calum describes ‘Shadowlight’ as the “end credits” song of the album, a fitting conclusion that encapsulates both closure and hope. He regards Cherry’s performance as one of her strongest, amplifying the song’s emotional impact.

Defences have created an album that transcends individual struggles, offering a shared exploration of resilience and self-discovery. “I consider ‘Shadowlight’ to be this space in between,” says Cherry, “you know who you were and who you want to be and you’re in the middle.” The dynamic contrasts between stripped-down arrangements and rich, layered compositions amplify the emotional spectrum of the human experience.

In a world where, far too often, priorities necessitate superficiality and haste, the album ‘Shadowlight’ resonates as a heartfelt reminder to pause, reflect, and embrace the journey of becoming. It challenges listeners to confront their shadows while reaching for the light, making it an essential addition to any music lover’s collection.

Words: Beth Oakley

Photos: Fordtography