In Earnest are three-piece band from Southend-on-Sea. Consisting of Thomas Eatherton, Sarah Holburn (Vocals) and Toby Shaer, they are self-professed sad indie noise enthusiasts.
17th April marked the release of their debut single, ‘Put Me Under’. It focuses on singer-songwriter Holburn’s chronic anxiety and depression, conditions which prevent her from holding down regular jobs. Luckily, for the rest of the wold, she has channelled it on this sublime song.
Lyrically, Holburn goes a long way to paint the perspective of anxiety sufferers. The awareness of what should but can’t be done builds a tension full of integrity. The isolation she puts over with ‘every now and then I sleep in someone else’s shoes’ is a remarkably honest notion. She goes on to deliver the tracks true standout line:
“You are everywhere and nowhere / just don’t put me under your spell”
A line to think on, especially in these secluded times.
Together, the three piece have launched themselves to the world with a stunning piece of music. At points, Holburn’s vocals have the haunting beauty of Julien Baker but, they surpass her during the climatic crescendo.
Shaer’s acoustic picking layers delivers nice nods to the atmospheric joy of Bon Iver. Meanwhile, Eatherton’s guitars, are of such quality that, they seem to ooze from earth like John Martyn’s classic ‘Small Hours’.
With a six track EP due soon, In Earnest have arrived in both, great style, and substance. Watch this space!