Jessie Monk’s "Metamorphosing" – A Monumental Exploration of Loss and Rebirth

Jessie Monk’s latest single, "Metamorphosing," is a masterclass blending avant-folk experimentation with deep emotional storytelling. As the centrepiece of her upcoming concept album, Mis O’ The Mountains, the track chronicles the protagonist Mis’s descent into grief and transformation. Through powerful imagery and bold sonic choices, Monk creates a soundscape that mirrors Mis’s journey from loss to monster, embodying the complexity of grief in a way few artists dare to explore.

The song opens with a choppy, Stravinsky-esque guitar progression, evolving into a fractured, unpredictable structure that complements the themes of metamorphosis and internal chaos. The repeated refrain of "metamorphosising" is an emotional anchor as the track morphs musically and thematically. Producer Brian Trahan’s use of varispeed creates an unnerving effect, warping the soundscape and deepening the emotional impact, enhancing the sense of spiralling descent.

The latter part of the track introduces the Bardo Thodol-inspired section, where Monk’s band—featuring violin, drums, bass, and flute—improvises over a haunting, otherworldly backdrop. Enhanced by tape effects and layered with voice notes from Monk’s father, the soundscape encapsulates the journey through the underworld, offering a poignant depiction of memory, grief, and the soul’s passage.

"Metamorphosing" is a powerful, complex track that showcases Jessie Monk’s ability to fuse experimental sound with raw emotional depth. It’s an ambitious and bold exploration of grief, loss, and the cyclical nature of life and death. Fans of genre-defying artists like David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, and Brian Eno will be captivated by Monk’s latest work.