Brain Leak’s “Something Skin” is a rock-infused tribute to sobriety.
Tara-Gabriella Engelhardt, the lead vocalist and songwriter of Brain Leak, found herself in a challenging position after suffering a broken wrist and facing a relapse. During this time, creating music seemed like an impossible feat for Engelhardt. However, this setback served as a turning point for her. As she emerged from a dark place, Engelhardt poured her emotions into the creation of “Something Skin”, a raw and intense track featured on the band’s debut EP Put Back Together.
In an interview with BEST FIT, Engelhardt expressed that “Something Skin” was born out of a deep struggle with sobriety and feeling confined within her own body and mind. Despite the discomfort she experienced, music became her solace during this difficult period. The song serves as a reminder for Engelhardt to confront her pain and resist the urge to escape from it. Through her music, she aims to connect with others who may be dealing with similar challenges related to addiction and mental health. Engelhardt believes that vulnerability and honesty about one’s struggles can help break the barrier of isolation that often comes with these issues.
The haunting lyrics of “Something Skin”, particularly the repeated plea to “Peel me out my skin / I wanna go”, exemplify the dark and evocative nature of Brain Leak’s music. The band’s unique sound, which Engelhardt describes as “rock noise”, draws inspiration from various sources, including Fontaines DC and influential female-led bands like Sleater-Kinney and The Breeders. With a mix of genres and unconventional production techniques by Harry Jordan, Put Back Together showcases Brain Leak’s talent for crafting unsettling yet compelling music.
Engelhardt acknowledges the vibrant music scene in Manchester as a source of inspiration for Brain Leak’s evolving sound. She embraces the unpredictability of the band’s musical direction, from their indie pop beginnings to their current blend of genres that she humorously refers to as “indie sleaze/rock”. Despite the uncertainty of their musical identity, Brain Leak remains focused on creating music that feels authentic and true to their artistic vision.
Looking ahead, Brain Leak is gearing up for new projects and live performances. Engelhardt hints at upcoming songs, including a personal favorite titled “The Interlude”. The band is scheduled to headline a show in Halifax and support a performance in London, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year filled with music and creative exploration.