17-year-old Denh Izen impresses on beautifully dark new track "What It Means"

17 August 2018, 09:21 | Written by Amelia Maher

(Tracks)

(Denh Izen)

Denh Izen is the moniker of 17-year-old Tavish JW Westwood, an alias which enables him to inhabit the persona of a dark, poetic figure that draws inspiration from the deepest crevices of the darkest swamp and still somehow makes it seem beautiful.

“What It Means” inhabits a DIY sensibility, where its imperfections and staggering poignancy draw inspiration from a whole eclectic catalogue of influences. Through Denh Izen's careful articulation, you can hear the gothic poeticism of The Birthday Party rattling through his guttural groans whilst a sincere delicacy laces Westwood’s higher range, where the anguish shines through every word.

As he contemplatively croons “I wonder what it means to be alive / What it means to be alive” with increased frustration, it is as menacing as it is heartfelt and emotive, and in striking this delicate balance between the two distinct feelings, he singles himself out as a young talent that shows great promise.

Speaking on the track, Westwood explains how it has becomes something of an emotional outlet for him, saying "What it means is a soppy song about something silly, but it means a lot to me. It's not a cry for help, but hopefully a helpful cry."

The track comes in the lead-up to his new EP, entitled Storage Solutions, which is due to be released on 31 August.