INTERVIEW W/ Divorce: "There is no fixed place that this album exists in"

Divorce have been one of our favourite newcomers for a while and as soon as they released their debut album ‘Drive to Goldenhammer’ back in May last year we knew it’d be one of our favourites of the year. 

It’s earthy Folk tones give it a cosy, organic feel while the quirky textural choices and soaring vocal harmonies inject a magical spirit in keeping with the album’s namesake. The vocal pairing of Tiger Cohen-Towell and Felix Mackenzie-Barrow is mesmerising and produces some of the best singalong moments we’ve heard this year. Meanwhile, the intimate, inventive lyricism is simply beautiful, dancing between romance, fear, vulnerability and otherworld fantasy. We caught up with Tiger to talk all about the album...

Photo Credit: Flower Up & Rosie Sco

Q. Could you explain a little about your debut album title 'Drive to Goldenhammer?

A. “I think the first record felt like such a mishmash of things we had within us for a long time, and yet it all felt like it was developed completely on-the-go. There is no fixed place that this album exists in; it moves around just like we did at the time of its conception. Goldhammer isn’t real. The drive is real!”.

Q. How do you feel you have developed musically since your 2024 EP?

A. “I think we’ve learned some lessons, we’ve taken steps back and steps forward. Writing has felt more and more sacred! We’re pushing ourselves to think like producers more. I love ‘Heady Metal’ and there’s so much about it that I’m proud of, as I am the album, but you’re not really an artist if you don’t feel like there isn’t something better lurking inside you”.

Q. It feels as though it's become slightly unfashionable to write positive love songs yet the album has beautifully romantic tracks - what drew you to presenting love in this positive way?

A. “I believe that whatever is honest in music is likely to be good. I think we have a lot of honesty in current music, but I will always accept more. I wouldn’t really consider any of the songs on the album straightforward love songs because we tend to write from an unstraightforward place; however, if that’s how they are being received, then that’s great because love is probably the most powerful thing on the planet and in many ways, is straightforward”.

Q. A distinctive feature of your sound is the joint vocals - did you work on that vocal balance or have you always found you naturally compliment each other?

A. “Felix and I have been singing together for a very long time; we still have to check that balance, but I think we quite naturally fit around each other vocally. Being a dual lead vocal band is a challenge in some ways, but also sharing that position is very leveling and makes the project what it is. As a lead singer, being forced to share is good for your ego”.

Q. What lasting feeling would you like people to feel after listening to the album?

A. “Rattled and wanting more…”.