Fuelled by a love of Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins, Francis of Delirium’s music is, in her own words, “pop music dressed up in a rock outfit.” Previously a duo, the artistic persona is now the solo-project of Luxembourg-based Jana Bahrich; an outlet for her rawest emotions, with ragged vocals and loud/soft dynamics paying tribute to her favourite acts. New track “Real Love” builds on the 90’s alt-rock stylings of earlier releases, although this time she’s letting down her defences against a softer, more fragile backdrop.
“‘Real Love’ at its heart is a simple song about being in love with your best friend,” Bahrich explains. “I wanted to write a song that reflected the feeling of leaning into vulnerability, a song that embraces telling the people you love what they mean to you and truly meaning it.”
With a level of emotional intensity worthy of Phoebe Bridgers, “Real Love” finds her quietly replaying unspoken moments of connection in her head, as if trying to work up the courage to voice them. From being “kids when we first met” to winding up “half-drunk on a twin size bed,” it’s the kind of confessional moment that can make or break a friendship. But in Bahrich’s capable hands this doesn’t feel like an ultimatum, just an attempt to finally stop shielding her emotions.
