Los Angeles-based alternative metal band Motive Black released their cathartic single “Fight Alone,” which gives us a taste of the band’s upcoming debut album, Auburn. Produced by Grammy winner Nick Rowe (Bloodsimple, Vampire Weekend), the single features Elana Justin’s passionate vocals backed by Rowe’s shredding guitars and Ray Luzier’s (Korn, KXM) pounding drums. Overcome with primal emotions, “Fight Alone” tells the story of devastation, awakening and empowerment.
Justin began her journey in New York’s small bar band scene, took the leap of faith and moved to the West Coast to explore new avenues in art and music. She quickly immersed herself in the local music community and forged a world of connections that led to collaborations with Rowe and eventually birth of the rock phoenix known as Motive Black.
Photo by Jim Louvau
“[‘Fight Alone’] it’s about getting lost in passion,” says Justin. “Attraction is a powerful thing, it can be amazing but it can also be malicious. It can engulf you and cloud your spirit, but it can also awaken you in ways you never thought possible. Everything feels dangerous and so alive.”
Pain and resilience are at the forefront of the single’s lyrics, and Justin doesn’t hold back on revealing it all. “Feeling Masochistic Waiting For You” encapsulates the visceral emotion of a forsaken lover, while “I can control it now” is the reclaiming of power that ultimately prevails. Amidst electrified screams and rugged walls of sound, the song is a hymn to taking control of your own destiny.
Motive Black is still fresh in its conception, but they still have a lot to do. “Fight Alone” joins the band’s previous singles in coming closer than ever to their own vibrant sound. Slated for an early 2023 release, their debut album was produced by Rowe at legendary NRG Studios in North Hollywood, CA and mixed by Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Papa Roach). In Justin’s words, the album is a “wild ride through this journey of anger, mania, deep love and self-discovery”.
Watch the Fight Alone premiere video below.