Southend-on-Sea indie-folk trio in earnest, fronted by couple Thomas Eatherton and Sarah Holburn, have released a new single titled ‘Come Upstairs’, taken from their upcoming 6-track EP. Reminiscent of the emotive, intensely personal songwriting of Julien Baker, the hauntingly affecting ballad explores mental illness as experienced from a sufferer’s partner, with Thomas urging Sarah not to give up hope.
“In the wake of my partner’s mental health struggles, it feels like I spend every waking moment trying to keep a brave or positive face on and there are times when I find it difficult to maintain my own identity,” Thomas explained in a statement. “We’re gradually learning how to combat negative thinking, but I’m usually the one who takes the weight and pulls her out of waves of depression.”
‘Come Upstairs’ is the follow-up to ‘Put Me Under’, the first single from the band’s EP, which was penned from Sarah’s perspective. While there are many acts adopting a similarly confessional style of songwriting, what sets in earnest apart is that emotional exchange between Thomas and Sarah, which makes us excited for what the trio has to offer in the future.
