Guildford UK’s Ilona Mahieu returns after a four-year hiatus with the new single ‘Be Not Afraid’, bringing back their characteristic combination of powerful vocals from Ilona Pointeau, atmospheric and richly layered guitar work from Mark Fifield, and Emma Taylor’s precise and dynamic drumming.
What immediately stands out about the single is its strong and unique storytelling, which is reflected in all aspects of the song. Rather than simply accompanying the lyrics, the structure and harmony of the song guide the listener through its narrative: a siren attempts to protect her lover from a burning world, encouraging him to hide and be not afraid. However, what initially appears to be an act of protection gradually becomes darker and more controlling.
As Pointeau, vocalist and frontwoman, explains:
“I wanted to explore the concept of a siren trying to lure and pacify their lover into giving up and burying their head in the sand, thinking they’re protecting them from pain. This is followed by the fury and indignation of being rejected and replaced, not understanding the harm they were inflicting. All they wanted to do was give the person they love permission to ‘be not afraid to break’ when all seems lost; in trying to provide a safe space, they ended up suffocating them.”
Musically, ‘Be Not Afraid’ embraces a dark and progressive harmonic language. Its shifting harmonic landscape contributes to a feeling of instability and tension, particularly in the guitar work, which moves from atmospheric riffs and textures at the beginning to heavier distortion and power chords in the chorus. This contrast injects energy into the track while keeping the arrangement dynamic and engaging.
Pointeau’s vocal performance moves dynamically between restraint and intensity, with an Evanescence-like quality, while a large choir enters at the end of the song, driving it towards its climax and bringing to mind the grand, anthemic character of Muse.
The result is a track that feels like an unfolding story, where the music itself becomes part of the narrative.
‘Be Not Afraid’ is Ilona Mahieu’s sixth single, marks a striking return for the band as they embark on an exciting new chapter.
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