SPOTLIGHT: Payasa Evokes Haunting Tales of Darkness in “The Haze Begins…”
ENTER THE NIGHTMARISH REALM OF HARDCORE BAND PAYASA — where front-woman Brittany Lane lures listeners into chasmic depths of darkness and decay. The band composed of Lane (vocals), Andrew Casher (drums), Jack Kelly (bass) and Xander Karry (guitar) have released their haunting EP The Haze Begins… that conjures the sound of survival and endurance.
Bound in chains and reaching for the light from the ghastly abyss, The Haze Begins… cover art sets the tone for Payasa’s voyage to attain clarity and peace from the “the haziness” that settles deep inside posed as a self-destructive entity that is described as “sinking in the quicksand of anxiety” and its feelings of isolation “triggering the venom.”
Lane tells a story of abominations haunting the earth and summons a monster having seven heads and ten horns in the cutthroat opening title-track, “Haze.” The songstress blends monstrous imagery with explorations of mental health struggles and overcoming self-doubt and destruction. Backed by cathartic guitars and a bewitching sound, “Haze” describes disease spreading inside oneself and the feelings of being trapped in one’s own psyche – both tormenting and never ending.
As the ethereal soundscape unfolds, Lane delves into the depths of the human psyche, where monstrous forces symbolize the internal demons that plague individuals. The seven heads and ten horns become metaphors for the multifaceted and overwhelming nature of these struggles.
Photo Credit: Chance Harrolle
Lethargic, lonely and dejected is the bone-chilling mantra repeated throughout “Haze.” Lane sharpens her teeth and bites deeper into the feelings of being disoriented from the haziness in her own head in the lyrics, “No comfort in my head / Lost in a self-conscious spiral / Why is it that I can’t stand my own thoughts / What is happiness? / How do I find it?” The lyrics draw a vivid picture of a landscape tainted by the eerie presence of these abominations, creating a sense of foreboding that sets the tone for the entire composition.
The droning, low ambience of the guitars adds a layer of tension and unease, creating an immersive sonic experience. The taunting riff further deepens the unsettling atmosphere, evoking the presence of an unseen menace lurking in the shadows. It's a musical manifestation of the internal struggles described in the lyrics, a haunting and poignant reflection of the themes explored throughout the project.
Yet, within this tapestry of darkness, Lane introduces themes of resilience and triumph. The narrative shifts towards overcoming self-doubt and destruction, revealing a journey of redemption amid the chaos. The exploration of mental health becomes a central theme, portraying the relentless battle against a disease spreading within oneself.
After the haze dissipates, Lane longs for the warm embrace of comfort and peace within herself as she declares powerful affirmations for her future self, “I want to see her standing so tall, ignoring doubt / Breaking free from its hold / She needs to feel tranquaility’s touch before the venom starts to kick in.”
“Blue Skies” is another intensifying, hardcore explosive that shrieks for the need of balance. Accompanied by unforgiving riffs and distorted, crunchy soundscaping, “Blue Skies” sees Lane overcoming mental destitution and manifesting brighter days ahead.
Beneath the sun, Lane finds balance and an escape from the haziness. “Seasons change and flowers die / New daisies will grow / The sun will start to finally shine / I may be able to feel the warmth,” she sings.
Reaching to find a higher power to surround her calls for help, Lane alludes to Catholic imagery in “The Haunting of Birch Street” with religious references to a crown of thorns, psalms and lambs. As the tale of darkness unfolds, Lane warns of a deceptive figure, a prince masquerading as the angel of light. This figure, laden with echoes of biblical imagery, becomes a harbinger of deceit, promising empty vows and distorting the sacred psalms of false prophets. Here, the lyrics delve into the theme of spiritual discernment and the recognition of deceptive forces that may lead astray.
Lane secures her rebirth from corruption and depravity with the vocal prowess of a banshee that leaves listeners wanting more. “The sulfur that falls from his mouth will promise you a crown / That crown of thorns they placed on their lamb / An artificial martyr for their lost cause,” she sings. The song becomes a vessel for expressing the intricate interplay between faith, vulnerability, and the ever-present shadows that haunt Birch Street.
“The Haunting of Birch Street” ends with the same evocative, dark mantra as “Haze” that references seven heads and ten horns, putting the spellbinding The Haze Begins… project to a close.
Payasa’s haunting tales of grotesque monsters and false prophets are disguised as subtle references to exploring the pitfalls of mental health and uncovering brutal feminine rage that is ever present in the three tracks. Through an unforgiving, sharp tongue, The Haze Begins… represents the culmination of Lane’s spiritual and artistic breakthroughs, as well as her evolution from darkness to reclaiming her light.
