DeathbyRomy is back with another theatrical single in support of her upcoming album Hollywood Forever. ‘Pray To Me’ was teased on February 24th through a phone-number Romy had posted on her Instagram stories. Though the number didn’t work for everyone, 1-820-XXX-4EVR would have led you to receive the track's first official digital leak. The following day, it was officially revealed that ‘Pray To Me’ featuring Palaye Royale would release March 7th with yet another music video accompaniment. Fans were told to “Pre Save To Be Saved”, a sentiment seen heavily within this new era's promotion.
[ Single Cover by @spilled.milk ]
‘Pray To Me’ plays around with religious themes beyond the track's title. Though Romy is no stranger to these motifs, with aspects of her past aesthetics and songs alluding or outright using these themes, ‘Pray to Me’ takes things to a next level. Theres blatant use of religious associated terms throughout the entire track, but what stands out among the rest is the mantra-like chorus of “Pray To Me Like Jesus / Worship Me Forever” and the visually descriptive and powerful repeating bridge of “Take my wings and tear them off / Tie my hands to the edge of your cross / Speak in tongues, our language lost / Say my name like the word of God”.
There are a few visual references within the music video as well, with Romy doing the sign of the cross and the entire video being a twisted and staged version of “The Last Supper’ with Romy sitting right in the middle of the table. Apart from what was listed above, the music video strays away from the religious theming the song carries. Instead, we see this cast of “extras” sitting alongside Romy at this video shoot done by “The Manager”, a character who's been present within the DeathbyRomy cinematic universe. As the shoot begins to go south, Romy and her entourage end up causing a slight ruckus, resulting in the suffocation and possible death of the exploitative manager.
Among the entourage is Palaye Royales Remington Leith who is featured on the track. This is not the first time Romy and Palaye Royale have collaborated to some degree. Last year, Romy was featured within the music video for ‘Just My Type’ where multiple different musicians from a similar scene took turns lip-syncing ot Leith’s vocals. For ‘Pray To Me’, we see Leith have more than just a music video presence. He contributes his voice within the second verse, later choruses, and bridge of the song. At certain points, his grungy rasp can be difficult to differentiate from Romy, especially when their vocals overlap, but when the distinction is made, there is a truly beautiful harmony created between them. They balance each other perfectly in both aesthetics and vocals, the two making a strong working pair who I’d love to hear more from in the future.
To experience ‘Pray For Me’ Live, you can catch DeathbyRomy and her band, Team Death, on their Headlining Tour. Europe Dates were just recently announced, so for all Romy fans across the pond, now will be your chance to see her. Alongside this tour, DeathbyRomy is playing all 3 dates on Warped Tour, so if you have the time within your line-up, you should make a stop by her set!
Hollywood Forever will release on April 25th, and you can presave it here. DeathbyRomy is also doing a limited Pink Vinyl Pressing of the album that you can pre-order now.
KEEP UP WITH DEATHBYROMY
Instagram // Website // LinkTree
Related Posts
