One True Pairing aka Tom Fleming released his eponymous debut album in 2019. The record was shaped by class frustration and self-despair, and continued the exploration of masculinity that made his previous band Wild Beasts so unique.
Zero Vulnerability is a phrase Tom coined on his UK tour at the end of last year as he found himself for the first time in his career solo, front and centre facing the crowd, alone but finding solace and strength from its simple mantra.
One True Pairing live stre...
One True Pairing aka Tom Fleming released his eponymous debut album in 2019. The record was shaped by class frustration and self-despair, and continued the exploration of masculinity that made his previous band Wild Beasts so unique.
Zero Vulnerability is a phrase Tom coined on his UK tour at the end of last year as he found himself for the first time in his career solo, front and centre facing the crowd, alone but finding solace and strength from its simple mantra.
One True Pairing live stream via Twitch last night, with proceeds going to the NHS. You can watch the show back here – Fleming performed the new EP and a selection of covers including Richard Dawson.
Zero Vulnerability comprises four acoustic versions of album tracks from One True Pairing; stripping the songs to their bare bones on the EP also removes the anger and swagger in them. Displays of strength can often hide weakness and bringing Fleming’s voice to the fore reveals the vulnerability to be found in his lyrics.
As he sings on “Elite Companion”: “It’s a race to the bottom, doesn’t matter what it takes, no one escapes”, Fleming highlights fractures within our society and the effect that has on all of us. Explaining the release further, Fleming adds: “After making something of a racket and clatter of a rock record, I cut that impulse back and wanted to make something that, on the surface at least, was more gentle and comforting.” Choosing to share Zero Vulnerability now, One True Pairing wants to offer some reassurance with the EP’s parting words: “Tonight tonight tonight tonight, I’m alive”.
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