Bacchanalia Magazine

by Ruby Connery

Joshua Epithet, a Manchester based alternative artist, has released his debut album “Boys and Their Video Cameras” this week and we at Bacchanalia are loving it. From wickedly witty lyrics to a sobering commentary on fame in the modern day, Joshua Epithet is a name you won’t want to forget.

Spanning multiple genres including Lo-Fi and Rock, this 14 track album is truly something. The premise of the record follows Casey Ryan, and the big question, who is she? This has been a burning question within Epithets fandom with ‘Boys and Their Video Cameras” promising answers. 

Epithet uses the fictional character ‘Casey Ryan’ as a vessel to critique themes of validation, commenting on our incessant need for it, celebrity, fame and figuring out your identity in the modern world throughout the album. When asked to discuss, Epithet described the aforementioned themes through the perspectives of a actor struggling with fame and an admiring fan wishing for recognition. This is highlighted in lyrics such as “Wish I could go back in time, would have left my name on paper instead of flashing lights,” (‘Pilot’) from the actors perspective, as well as “The house we’re building would crumble with just one touch” (No Place Like Stockholm, Feat. Coupdekat) nodding towards para social relationships. His use of a fictional character as a theme within his music sets him apart from other artists as it allows him to create an entire world with characters and plots whilst maintaining his role as a narrator. 

Aside from Casey Ryan, Epithet is known for his deliciously facetious and quick witted lyrics such as “If karma sucks just wait till she bites” and “What is pride if not your downfall?” (‘You genuinely concern me’). He has cemented this as his legacy in this album through a myriad of humorous remarks, poking fun at the modern world with a sense of clarity rarely found nowadays. 

In addition to making crucial social commentary, Epithet has used his debut album to collaborate with artists such as FINLINCE and Mila Degray in ‘Poor Vanessa, God Bless Her’ and Pink Pirate and Lucas Lex in ‘Nickelodeon*’ among others. This has allowed for a range of vocals across the album and creativity that flows throughout, commingling together seamlessly. 

Overall, this album isn’t something you’ll want to miss and allows the chance to sit back and just laugh at the irony of the modern world with Epithet.

Photo by Ruby Connery