‘Gone To Ground’ is the new single from London formed, Bristol-based folk ensemble Apple of My Eye. Timed to coincide with the anniversary of the fire at Grenfell Tower, an official launch event will take place tomorrow (23rd June) at The Gresham Centre in Central London. All proceeds from the sale of ‘Gone To Ground’, along with a portion of ticket sales from the launch event, will be donated to Grenfell United.
From Arran Glass of Apple of My Eye explains.
“In the past, we have written songs about actual historical events but we didn’t set out to write a song about Grenfell. Sometimes a song steers you and you have to concede control. When we realised that the music was heading in that direction we had to be incredibly careful with how we structured the lyrics. How do we write a song about such a difficult and current issue without sounding mawkish or virtuous? Although the string arrangement is mournful, the lyrics ended up becoming angry. Such anger, one of the stages of grief, serves to return us to the same questions – why did this preventable tragedy happen and who will be held to account?”
Apple of My Eye’s influences are drawn from English folk and storytelling. Guitarist Arran Glass from the band states: “Folk music has always responded to tragedy and injustice. ‘Gone to Ground’ is an emotional response to what happened. It reflects on the failures of multiple authorities in this preventable tragedy. One year on, two-thirds of victims are still homeless and those responsible for fire safety failings at Grenfell have never been brought to justice. As the chorus insists, they have all gone to ground.”
The tragedy is never named in the single. Instead, the subtle but powerful lyrics are balanced between the political and the mythological. “Towers full of smoke while the mansions empty,” they sing with resonant entwined harmonies and sewn rich folk instrumentation, this widescreen track moving from mournful melancholia to grief to anger. It’s a respectful tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragedy and a history of injustice. Apple of My Eye has released three albums – Devils, Seven Tides and The Beast Below – and has now teamed up with producer Gerry Diver (Sam Lee/Lisa Knapp) to record the fourth, One for Crow – the album is due for release later in 2018.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/apple-of-my-eye-charity-single-launch-for-grenfell-tower-tickets-45758617256
