Attending the live performance of FRANKLIN at the Viva Sounds 2025 in Gothenburg, Sweden was a transformative experience for me. This dynamic duo, featuring kirsty Wells and Evan Joel, presents a refreshingly raw and minimalist interpretation of sludge metal that is essential listening. Below, we showcase their debut album, Decay, in full (which you shoudl definately explore here). Additionally, the band has shared their thoughts on each track!
“NLMD”
Kicking off an album with a cover might seem unusual; however, we believe “Never Let Me Down Again,” now titled “NLMD,” perfectly embodies the theme of embracing love’s risks. As an enthusiastic admirer of 80s new wave music—especially Depeche Mode—Kirsty’s passion for this song inspired us to reinterpret it through our unique lens while still respecting its original spirit.
“Destroyer”
This track explores time’s unyielding influence over our lives—crushing dreams and identities while challenging our very existence. Humanity’s fixation on time is palpable; whether we feel overwhelmed by its abundance or scarcity. We revere it yet are consistently taken aback when it dismantles what we’ve constructed—sometimes leading to positive change but often resulting in chaos.
“Shark”
“Arrival”
the initial bass riff and lyrics for “Arrival” were crafted by a teenage version ofKirsty. Through collaboration between both members, this piece evolved into something that resonates within the world ofFRANKLIN. It captures feelings of ennui—or even stark nihilism—as we confront rampant greed and destruction prevalent today. The song leaves audiences suspended in uncertainty without providing closure or direction.
“Queen’s Revenge”
“Smolder”
A slow burn yet profoundly impactful,”smolder” embodies despair rather than hope itself. Drawing inspiration from persistent wildfires devastating Canada’s west coast,it urges listeners toward surrender: will you rise from ashes or allow desolation to take root? It poses challenging questions about resilience amidst devastation.
“Vitriol”
This marks one among FRANKLIN’s first original compositions! Instrumentation was crafted byEvan while lyrical melodies came fromKirsty . During jam sessions at their rehearsal space ,< strong >Evan was inspired upon hearing church bells nearby which led him incorporate them seamlessly into bridge section .
“Olas”
A decade-long hiatus from playing bass ended whenKirsty began crafting riffs for this upbeat tune . After collaborating with
"Backed Into A Corner"
Evan </ Strong> ; composed this energetic piece featuring punchy drums alongside lurching bass lines reminiscent intimate punk shows experienced locally before.< strong >
"Dusky Circles"
This composition ultimately explores perseverance amid adversity—a feeling akin treading water under immense pressure! Early stages revealed influences drawn Black Sabbath combined Russian Circles resulting title choice “dusky Circles”. While recording Greg kept rolling nearly three minutes post-final chorus allowing Kirsty’s manipulation feedback create calming tide following chaotic journey experienced earlier within song structure!
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