Single Review: Witness by Monqi & Lunghorn
A haunting exploration of vulnerability, connection and the aching desire to be truly seen.
Words by Amy Barker / Photography by Lili @lili_takesflickis
Released on 5th December, Witness marks a hauntingly beautiful collaboration between two promising Sheffield artists, Monqi and Lunghorn. This evocative track delves deep into the delicate emotional terrain of vulnerability, capturing the raw universal desire to be truly seen by another person.
The song opens with a sense of yearning that echoes throughout, as layered vocals and ethereal harmonies build a palpable, spine tingling atmosphere. Lunghorn’s crooning voice, with its “Hawley-esque” richness pairs perfectly with Monqi’s breathy otherworldly tones, evoking the haunting beauty of Mazzy Star. The duo’s interplay creates a soundscape that feels both transcendent and deeply intimate.
One of Witness’s most striking features is its willingness to defy conventional melody. Lyrics and string arrangements purposefully drift off key at moments yet the result is mesmerising rather than jarring, amplifying the track’s raw emotional honesty. This unconventional approach mirrors the song’s central theme of being unseen - a poignant reflection on the ways in which misunderstanding and miscommunication can leave us feeling isolated.
The lyrics, “You didn’t even say you’re sorry to me / You turn people into monsters like me” cut through with startling vulnerability, while the words, “I fall to my knees, I beg you / Beg you for forgiveness / I crumble to pray without witness” captures the aching desire to be recognised and understood. Monqi and Lunghorn skilfully transform these sentiments, crafting a poignant soundscape that lingers long after the final note fades.
The emotional weight of the track echoes Nick Cave’s meditation on love and visibility:
“Love has something to do with the notion of being seen - the opposite of invisibility. Loving attention illuminates the unseen, escorting them from the frontiers of lovelessness into the observed world. Love says softly - I see you. I recognise you. You are human, as am I.” In Witness, Monqi and Lunghorn channel this sentiment, drawing the listener into their shared humanity.
Monqi continues to solidify her reputation as an artist to watch. Her butter smooth voice glides effortlessly over introspective, emotive lyrics, earning her a growing following in Sheffield and beyond. For those new to her music, tracks like Mariposa offer another glimpse into her honeyed vocal talents and captivating songwriting.
Lunghorn’s vocal performance in Witness is equally compelling. His haunting delivery grounds the track with depth, making his collaboration with Monqi feel not just natural but necessary. Together, they have created a piece of music that is as bold as it is beautiful.
A live version of Witness will be released in January. Filmed at Our Lady on the Bridge Chapel and by all accounts its absolutely gorgeous.
On the themes behind the song:
Monique Grimwade (Monqi) : “This song takes an isolating experience that we’ve both shared and creates a space where we can express all the things that we couldn’t at the time.”
Joe Zain (Lunghorn): “When our truths feel distorted by the person listening, it can really damage your sense of self. To be witnessed by someone in a really vulnerable way is very powerful.”
Witness is available to play on:
Reference Information:
Witness is the first collaborative single from Sheffield artists Monqi and Lunghorn.
Release Date: 5th December 2024.
Recorded at Tesla Studios and produced by Johnny F. Keating.
Photography by lili_takesflickis
Nick Cave quote sourced from Faith, Hope and Carnage and The Red Hand Files.
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