Perestroika, led by producer Duncan Silvey, unveils a deeply personal EP, ‘In Aid of Vulnerability,’ capturing the transformative journey of transitioning into parenthood. The project, named after the Russian term for ‘restructuring,’ showcases themes of mental challenges, joy, and the raw vulnerability experienced during this profound life change. Duncan Silvey, also a new father since 2021, skillfully weaves his introspective narrative into a collection of songs that not only reflect his personal journey but also resonate with a universal audience.
Perestroika, a collaborative project formed in 2017 in Peckham, south London, revolves around the talents of Duncan Silvey, who handles guitar, piano, keyboards, and vocals. Collaborating with various members and contributors over the years, Perestroika has garnered recognition from BBC Introducing in Bristol, Kent, London, and BBC 6 Music.
Recorded over three years from 2020 to 2023, ‘In Aid of Vulnerability’ was a labor of love, with recording taking place in a bedroom in south Bristol, Factory Studios in Bristol, and mixing at Unit 9 in Deptford, south London. Mastered by Izzy McPhee in her Bristol home studio, the EP also features additional guitars by James Lock and violins by Cags Diep.
This collection of songs reflects Duncan Silvey’s journey into parenthood and the complexities that come with it. The title, ‘In Aid of Vulnerability,’ is a tribute to the courage required to express oneself honestly. Duncan sees the EP as a contribution to the societal pot, encouraging openness and vulnerability to foster a fairer and more connected world. The EP serves as a personal legacy for his son, demonstrating the importance of expressing emotions and navigating the intricacies of human relationships.
1. “Can see the Horizon, Can’t take in the View”: This track explores the mental challenges of being unable to be present in the moment, using the metaphor of seeing the horizon but not taking in the view. The chorus challenges traditional gender roles by portraying a wife as the knight in shining armor, rescuing her husband from his dark tower.
2. “It Didn’t Feel Real”: Inspired by a pregnancy scare during Duncan’s partner’s pregnancy, this song vividly recounts the anxiety of waiting in a car park for six hours due to COVID-19 restrictions. The verses describe the literal observations, while the choruses reflect on the profound realization of impending fatherhood.
3. “Globus”: Delving into a physical phenomenon Duncan experienced called Globus Syndrome, the song also empathizes with friends facing displacement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The atmospheric sound aims to capture the sense of displacement, confusion, and uncertainty.
4. “JL833191A (Hillshop Trip Remix)”: A remix by a friend, this track reflects Duncan’s experiences at a job center in Finsbury Park, North London. The title is a play on a national insurance number, emphasizing the dehumanizing nature of reducing people to statistics.
Duncan Silvey’s involvement with the charity ‘Talk Club,’ running talking and listening sessions for men, adds a layer of depth to his commitment to openness and vulnerability. The EP serves as a personal and societal contribution to embracing vulnerability and fostering connection.
The EP’s writing process included a retreat to Watchet on the Somerset Coast, where Duncan stayed in a unique room with a panoramic view of the harbor and coastline. The room’s eccentricities, including a bathtub cut in half used as a sofa, added a touch of charm and inspiration to the writing process.
‘In Aid of Vulnerability’ stands as a testament to Perestroika’s ability to blend personal narratives with universal themes, creating an emotionally charged and sonically rich collection. Duncan Silvey’s courageous exploration of parenthood and vulnerability resonates deeply, making this EP a powerful contribution to the musical landscape. As the songs unfold, listeners are invited to embrace vulnerability, challenge societal norms, and navigate the complexities of human emotions alongside Perestroika.
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