Cleo Alexandra is set to take her place in the pantheon of Australian musical greats, alongside the likes of Natalie Imbruglia, Sia, and Tame Impala. The former Miss Australia released her eponymous debut album in 2019, which re-imagined Australian hits, such as a devilish version of Men At Work’s, ‘Who Can It Be Now?’ and a cameo by Rick Springfield. Cleo has continued to release music, alongside 6-time Grammy-winning producer Keith Olsen, and J.J. Farris.
Cleo’s new single, ‘Taken By Desire’, sees her draw on an RnB influence as she sings of her desperation and confusion regarding a lover who’s been unfaithful.
Guitars well up behind her, drum rhythms accelerate, and bells loom sinisterly, creating a harrowing atmosphere. The despair and desolation increases, until its sudden climactic fade out.
The music video accompanying the track amps up the atmosphere in grainy black and white, with scenes juxtaposing desire with rage. Directed by Harrison Woodhead, Cleo is captured in footage showing her yearning for her former lover, rolling in their shared bed, interspersed with clips of her crying out in despair, over her betrayal. Still more there’s footage from the studio, where Cleo sings with such passion that the listener can’t help but wonder how much this is a reflection of her own life. It’s a stunning song and a fabulous video, that will prove cathartic to anyone experiencing similar rage.
Watch the music video for ‘Taken By Desire’ below and find out more about Cleo Alexandra and her music online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
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