Myth Meets Avant-Folk in Jessie Monk’s “Gold Flowers”
Jessie Monk’s latest single "Gold Flowers" marks the first release from her upcoming concept album Mis O’ The Mountains, a genre-defying avant-folk project inspired by myth and magic. The song draws on the myth of the Celtic goddess Mis and themes from Gabriel García Márquez’s 100 Years of Solitude, offering a glimpse into a world where loss and transformation coexist in a surreal dreamscape.
Monk’s storytelling prowess shines in "Gold Flowers," where she narrates Mis’s struggle to retrieve her father’s soul through a ceremonial act, only to be swallowed by the harsh reality of death. The lyricism is rich with imagery, as Monk sings of “a frozen manifesto, a doubt-filled jungle” and her metamorphosis into a stone-like figure—a powerful metaphor for grief’s paralytic effect.
Sonically, the track begins with an intense drive, setting up a roadhouse groove before venturing into more experimental territory. The collaboration of top-tier European musicians, including Fabiana Striffler on violin and Conor Cunningham on flute, elevates the song’s dynamic energy. The interplay between instruments, particularly in the "nanananana" section, reaches a near-breaking point of tension, creating a visceral and cathartic listening experience. The second half of the song introduces a rhythmic interplay that recalls Talk Talk's complex, layered arrangements, leaving listeners both intrigued and unsettled.
Visually, the music video directed by Christy Chudosnik captures the essence of Mis’s journey, with a haunting dreamlike quality. Monk’s portrayal of the goddess facing multiple versions of herself, filmed against the backdrop of lush Australian landscapes, echoes the song’s exploration of self-dissolution and grief. The symbolic act of confronting and “killing” a part of oneself adds layers of meaning to the song’s already rich narrative.
As the first chapter in her upcoming album, Mis O’ The Mountains, "Gold Flowers" hints at an ambitious and immersive journey to come. Monk blends her folk roots with avant-garde experimentation, crafting a sound that is both ancient and boundary-pushing. Fans of Joni Mitchell, Sam Amidon, and those with an ear for the experimental will find "Gold Flowers" a compelling introduction to this bold new chapter in Monk’s career. The album promises to further explore the mythical, the personal, and the transcendent.
