Bristol-based band Ishmael Ensemble return with ‘The Rebuke’, their first single since the release of the critically acclaimed second album “Visions of Light”, out the 21st of October via Severn Songs.

Written by band-leader Pete Cunningham and lead singer Holysseus Fly , ‘The Rebuke’ is composed of 7 repeating lines that became a great source of comfort and catharsis during the latter’s treatment for breast cancer in 2020. In poem form they evolved into a mantra, something she would repeat as part of the healing process; drawing her outwards and allowing her to focus on her recovery whilst also confronting the injustice of the situation.

Musically the track draws inspiration from the Drum & Bass & Jungle records Pete spent his teenage years playing at local warehouse parties & quarry raves in the mid 00’s; a period he has not previously referenced so distinctly in his Ishmael Ensemble project.

On ‘The Rebuke’ singer Holysseus Fly says :

The Rebuke is about calling on someone you love when you need help, and them doing everything they can to save you, like parent to child. I found great comfort and catharsis writing the words and imagining calling out for help during treatment for cancer, but also sharing feelings of anger about the injustice of it. In the last two lines I imagine myself lifted out of dangerous waters and placed in my future, with my future family. The big earth-shattering images are really what it felt like at the time, like life and death.

‘The Rebuke’ reflects this journey with poignance and strength, across a soundscape that grows richer with every listen. Tension bubbles beneath the first two verses before erupting into a wave of break-neck drums, chest-rattling bass & swirling synthesisers. As the vocal line returns, the clouds break and a beacon of light emerges from the darkness, a heavenly call of horns & piano usher in a sense victory as hope is restored.

Beautiful in its simplicity, the accompanying video was shot earlier this summer on a 16mm Bolex camera. Opening with a montage of dreamy close-up shots, director Jack Lilley fully leans into the  expansiveness of the surrounding countryside, creating a breathtaking visual that stays true to the lyrics, perfectly showcasing Holysseus Fly’s soaring vocal.

The Rebuke:

You lowered the sky and you stepped down
Fury in the eye of my lover’s crown
And I called entangled
Mountains dismantled
At the rebuke
You drew me from water
And stood me with my daughter

You lowered the sky and you stepped down
Fury in the eye of my lover’s crown
And I called entangled
Mountains dismantled
At the rebuke
You drew me from water
And stood me with my daughter

You lowered the sky and you stepped down
Fury in the eye of my lover’s crown
And I called entangled
Mountains dismantled
At the rebuke
You drew me from water
And stood me with my daughter

Ishmael Ensemble UK tour:

  • 5th November – Sunderland – The Fire Station
  • 5th November – Waves Festival
  • 7th November – Glasgow – Audio
  • 8th November – Salford – The White Hotel
  • 10th November – Bristol – Trinity Centre
  • 11th November – London – Kings Place