The Background Noise EP contains four songs written at various times between 2020 and 2022. I recorded them alongside some singles and tracks that will form the next album and none of them fit the mood of the album that well, but they are linked by their subject matter so it made sense to release them together as an EP. Not quite a mini concept album, but the songs all build on the single Hard to Escape (Song for Chris) that was released in June 2021. That song was based on the experiences of a friend who had the misfortune to be in two abusive marriages.
Before explaining a little about the songs, I would like to thank Nate Ratto AKA NATRAT for his amazing work against an impossibly tight deadline to create and record the bass guitar parts for each song. Each one sounds so much better as a result.
These four songs explore toxic relationships from different perspectives. As far as possible, the lyrics follow the science in trying to reflect the realities exposed by psychological research.
The opening song, I See You, tries to evoke the reflections of a victim after they leave the relationship and look back with a mixture of relief that it's ended but also regret at allowing themselves to get drawn in. Victims often blame themselves but very often their good nature was exploited and manipulated with great care by the perpetrator.
Background Noise, the earliest of the set, dating from 2020, is about the partner who is being treated badly feeling that they aren't being listened to. The earliest stages of a toxic relationship can be characterised as a 'lovebombing' phase but the subsequent 'devalue' and 'discard' phases leave the one being abused feeling that they are not just ignored, but treated with disdain and that no matter how many apologies or resolutions to change behaviour they receive, the cycle continues and they feel stuck and powerless.
The lyrics to Empty Inside are what I imagine the victim might want to say to their abuser once they gain the insights into the personality deficiencies that drive the mistreatment. In many cases, for example, those displaying narcissism will have suffered some trauma as a child, which is what they use to lure in people who are empathic and feel they can help. However, there is no help wanted and the trauma someone has suffered is never an excuse to inflict it on others.
The fourth song, and the most recent, is based on the story of Narcissus Green tea in which a travelling magician is captivated by the beauty of a young girl who, unfortunately, had also captivated herself with her reflection. She was so taken by her own image that she refused to leave the riverbank. The magician tried to entice her with gifts that would match her beauty, but she rejected all of them: flowers, jewels, fine clothes and more. nothing compared to her beauty. Eventually he gave up hope and decided to leave. This is the point in the tale where the song is set. I imagined the magician recriminating himself as he went on his way.
The story goes on to tell of how, as he was leaving, he discovered an amazing tea that he took back to her as a final gift.. When she tasted it, her heart melted. She could leave her reflection and they married the same day. A happy ending to the story but not such good material for a song!
As I'm writing those synopses I realise this EP isn't easy listening - all the songs are quite dark. However, I hope they may resonate with people who have had the misfortune to get too close to a narcissist or psychopath.
If you want to find out more about the science behind these songs or want to know more about dealing with narcissistic people, I recommend starting with the YouTube channel of Dr. Ramani who does the research then communicates the results in a very understandable way.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in these songs, please consult a healthcare professional for guidance.