Strange DNA drops new single “Reanimate”

London-based artist Jessica English uses the things we’re taught to hide as the starting point for creative expression as Strange DNA, a dark alternative pop project exploring the relationship between emotion, distortion and imagination. Framing themes of isolation, difference and self-discovery, the project creates a space for those who’ve struggled to feel at home within the ordinary, transforming personal experiences into cinematic soundscapes, transportive imagery and stories that embrace individuality.

Strange DNA is driven by an interest in identity and transformation, particularly the parts of ourselves that can initially feel uncomfortable or difficult to understand. Horror imagery and monsters play an important role in this creative universe, becoming metaphors for the aspects of human identity that society often encourages us to suppress. By not viewing these differences as weaknesses, Jessica explores how they can become sources of strength, allowing the things that make us feel separate to become the very qualities that define us.

As a queer artist, she draws on personal experiences of feeling different and facing the process of becoming who you truly are. That context gives Strange DNA an emotional setting that reaches beyond its darker aesthetic, where uncertainty and isolation are acknowledged but never presented as the end of the story. Influenced by cult cinema and horror, the project’s imagery uses surreal ideas and macabre references to explore questions of belonging and self-acceptance.

Strange DNA first introduced that universe with debut single “Cry,” which arrived in August as an emotional and atmospheric exploration of isolation and the complicated relationship people can have with themselves. Looking at the distance between how we understand our own identities and how others perceive us, the track mapped out the project’s central tension between darkness and hope.

Now, with the brand new sophomore single titled “Reanimate,” Strange DNA ventures further into darker electronic influences. Penned in Jessica’s bedroom, the track takes inspiration from the murkier side of pop, alongside artists including Molchat Doma and She Wants Revenge. Its brooding atmosphere combines electronic textures and eerie production with a seductive dark pop vibe, creating a sound that’s at once unnerving and instilled with melodic appeal.

Thematically, “Reanimate” explores the idea of dead things that refuse to die, specifically racism, homophobia and hatred justified through religion. Its central desire is to escape the emotional burden of living alongside such realities, to feel lighter again and recover a sense of wonder. Opened by the haunting tones of airy synth lines and buzzing textures, the lively rustle of uptempo drums injects a hurried pace as bouncy instrumental elements usher in Jessica’s expressive vocal leads to form an engrossing dark pop soundscape that’s intoxicating, energising and highly original all at once.

Pulsing bass lines and intricate guitar rhythms brush up against layers of electronic tones as Jessica’s alluring voice glides throughout, resulting in a gripping listening experience from start to finish. With “Reanimate,” Jessica English continues to develop a world where the macabre becomes personal and transformation becomes a form of resistance. As she continues to go from strength to strength with the Strange DNA project, she’s sure to win over countless listeners across the UK and beyond with her captivating musical vision.

Speaking about the new single, Jessica says, “I wanted to write about the things that are supposed to be dead but somehow keep coming back. Racism, homophobia and hate dressed up as religion can feel like things we should have moved beyond, but they remain.”

Listen to Reanimate below

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