Octavia Freud & The Weird Sisters present Mancbeth, an electronica concept album that updates Shakespeare’s Macbeth to the dark underbelly of the club scene of 90s Manchester. ‘Fair is Foul / Invincible’ is the lead double A single from the Mancbeth project due for release this Friday the 1st of March 2024. ‘Fair Is Foul’ features Cate DeBu of electronica act The Subtheory and Invincible features Maria (The Bobo). It ripples and pulses with electronica and glimmering guitars. This gothic electro brew simmers with malevolent intent. Today, we are debuting the video for ‘Fair is Foul’ directed by Martin Andrews (Octavia Freud), watch it below.
Its introduction to the world of Mancbeth, a project with plans for a stage show, a film and an immersive multi-media experience. The concept of Mancbeth was devised by Mancunian actor and writer David Lemberg.
Martin Andrews (Octavia Freud), director for the Fair is Foul video said:
“To capture the essence of the Fair is Foul track I used the image of the witch alongside the spell-like word play of the opening lines from Macbeth, ‘fair is foul, and foul is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air’. The fast fx transitions reflect the album’s updating of events to the 90s club culture of Manchester and the words conjure up a Lowry-esque image of the smog filled streets of grim Mancunia. The video introduces a sense of foreboding for the fate of the tragic figure of Macbeth, nightclub owner, drug dealer and murderer.”
Originally hailing from Manchester and having been part of the legendary 90s club scene there, Martin Andrews is well known for his Octavia Freud solo electronica project but for Mancbeth he has assembled a cast of rising stars that features top Oxford talents Emma Hunter, Kate Hicks, Maria (The Bobo), Mila Todd, Cate Debu and Pet Twin.
In various guises and alter egos Martin has performed at London’s ICA, Fleche D’or in Paris and at Isle of Wight’s Bestival. He recorded live radio sessions for XFM and his collaboration with producer IDC gained single of the week in Mixmag. Martin’s tracks have been selected on mix compilations by the late Andrew Weatherall, appeared alongside Goldfrapp on the seminal Robopop electro-pop compilation and been remixed at Death in Vegas Contino Rooms by Cosey Club founder Richard Clouston. Martin spent several years DJing and promoting London’s The Heavenly Social Club’s live electronic monthly night, Neural Ohmlette.
Octavia Freud & The Weird Sisters, featuring the actor Brian Gorman (writer/director for New Dawn Fades), present Mancbeth live at Modern Art Oxford on Saturday 20th April, tickets available from wegottickets.
www.mancbeth.com
www.octaviafreud.com
Press pics, credit Jason Warner at Fyrefly Studios;
