'quelle horreur' Cover Art by Mags Gwyne.
mango mango mango (real name Mags Gwynne) is an independent, self-described ‘cryptid-pop’ artist based in Edinburgh. They have just released their new single ‘quelle horreur’, a brooding mediation on queer and trans experiences. As a non-binary transfemme musician, this is something mango’s music often reflects on; their previous track ‘let your guard down’ explored the vulnerable side of this through a softer, dreamier tone. ‘quelle horreur’, on the other hand, goes down a darker route of electronic sounds and horror fuelled imagery.
An eerie, digitalised buzz opens the track, something I instantly recognised from their recent set at York’s Fulford Arms. It then morphs into something else - almost menacing, but with a slick groove - which comes as no surprise given that the song itself discusses the dark side of transformation. It is driven by a relentless trip-hop drum beat and bassline, complimented by aggressive guitars and layered vocals.
mango mango mango performing at Fruit Fest, The Fulford Arms. Image via Rachael Smith (raesmithcreative).
Thematically, mango focuses on the oppressive experiences faced by trans people in the UK. The lyrics are at once deeply metaphorical through their use of horror movie imagery, and direct - the standout “quelle horreur” ringing out with a seething quality.
Lyrics such as “bring me back to life” and “you made me something vile” evoke images of something monstrous and undead. Mags mentioned Nosferatu being an influence, and I was also reminded of Frankenstein - bodies that mutate to become vehicles of horror, depicting the demonisation of the ‘other’ that many queer people can relate to.
The sound reflects this well, enveloping you and making you want to play it over and over.
‘quelle horreur’ is available to stream now, and make sure to keep up with mango mango mango on Instagram @mango_gwyne.
Image via Isaac Reynolds (@eyezsac).
