Scarlet Mill returns with new music

Coming out of Amsterdam is a duo whose music reads like a noir novel set to sound; Scarlet Mill is the long-running artistic partnership between Jennifer Moesker on vocals, piano, organ and synths and Erik Verhoef on vocals, guitar, bass and drums. Their enduring musical partnership first began back in the 1980s, crafting a sound wrapped in atmosphere and poetic songwriting. But just as their vision began to coalesce, life intervened and the project was shelved for decades.

It wasn’t until 2020 that Scarlet Mill emerged from the shadows, debuting Chronicles, a bold concept album revolving around a murder ballad in seven chapters. It marked a remarkable return, immediately turning heads and re-establishing the duo as masterful musical storytellers.

With their creative fire rekindled, Jennifer and Erik have since continued to release music that explores both life from their perspective and the art of poignant songwriting. Now joined by saxophonist Maarten Verhoef as a permanent guest, Scarlet Mill offers a textured and layered sonic world where each instrument becomes a character and each arrangement a transportive scene.

Now, following two singles last year with “Driftwood” and “Just,” Scarlet Mill returns in 2025 with a brand new single titled “Sad Affair.” Unveiling the next chapter in their ongoing story, taken from their upcoming second album, “Sad Affair” presents a collage of carefully selected elements. The trumpet, recorded at the seashore, carries a windswept loneliness that hangs in the air while hammond organ swells and intricate guitar work provide warmth to contrast the song’s fado-inspired sorrow.

It’s glam-esque rock at its most reflective, more velvet curtain than glitter ball with jazz and alternative influences ghosting through its structure. Set up by eerie runs of atmospheric piano notes, Jennifer’s elegant voice drifts above the soft pulse of bass and light brush of percussion as the twang of broken guitar chords adds colour to the arrangement.

Progressing with mellow energy, the delicate sweeps of trumpet lines give way to the gentle rustle of drums as the track glides into a dazzling slice of timeless retro rock, offering an engrossing listening experience from start to finish. Peppered with stunning instrumental flickers and carried by Scarlet Mill’s compelling vocal work, “Sad Affair” delivers a truly enticing sound that continues to build the excitement for the band’s highly anticipated forthcoming sophomore record.

Listen to Sad Affair below

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