Tiss Vampiric: 'Songs of Paris' EP Review

May 2022. Brudenell Social Club. I’m eagerly awaiting the support act for Eades, expecting a kindred indie / alternative rock boy band to take to the stage. Instead, appearing from the shadows, a nine-piece goth cabaret assembles. Their frontman is Genie Genie, a figure who borrows manerisms from David Bowie, Nick Cave and Iggy Pop, but each with a sadistic twist. On the opening track he proclaims eerie biblical scripture, citing “take it, eat it, this is my body” before the band descend into a brilliant wall of sound. This is followed by a fun, jaunty cover of ‘Jack the Ripper’ (Screaming Lord Sutch). 

In the years since then, Genie Genie has evolved into Tiss Vampiric. An introspective period of globe trotting and self-discovery followed, with the musician landing firmly back in Leeds with a new EP of songs written during their time in the city of love, aptly named ‘Song of Paris’.

On this record, Tiss has retained the signature, theatrical cabaret spirit that made their early music so distinguishable. Only this time, the atmosphere is mature candlelit cabaret rather than Rocky Horror Picture Show. 

By nature, this is an acoustic body of work. The guitar alternates between ghoulish tremolo and traditional Latin finger-picking, meaning the overall sound has a subtle French noir feel. This will transcend a certain generation of listeners towards fond memories of Professor Layton puzzles, whether this was Tiss Vampiric’s intention or not. When performed live, the body of music takes on wider instrumentation. The songs are fleshed out with harmonica, flute, organ and saw (find Tiss Vampiric's live session at Cafe Etch on YouTube).

The final track ‘This Town’ has an altogether different feel. It is poignant and melancholy, but brighter and less haunting than previous songs. It features trumpets which evoke visions of a West Yorkshire colliery brass band, just as effectively as a Parisian Park bandstand, bringing Tiss Vampiric’s recent journey full circle.

Words by Magnus Pike (Lucas Blackwell)

Cover photo by Tom White (@tomw19), design by Ivy Alice (@ivy.alice.w)