London’s dark rock poet Domi Hawken returns with a chilling new single ‘The Moment I Need You The Most’, offering the first glimpse into her sophomore EP, Water and The Wine. Following the success of her debut Sociable Pariah, Hawken continues to craft immersive and emotionally charged narratives, this time delving into the depths of obsession.
The track unfolds like a psychological thriller, shifting between moments of yearning and frenzied fixation. Hawken’s signature blend of punk edge and folk storytelling remains at the forefront, drawing on influences that range from Leonard Cohen’s lyrical depth to Led Zeppelin’s raw power.
Rather than depicting typical heartbreak, the song ventures into more unsettling territory. “To me, the song is unhinged,” Hawken reveals. “It isn’t about pining over someone you’re in a relationship with—the protagonist is desperate. Maybe the person she’s singing about barely knows her, and their relationship is completely overblown in her mind.”
Sonically, the production mirrors this unraveling, starting with restrained verses before escalating into chaotic peaks, punctuated by eerie silences that heighten the tension. The song is accompanied by a self-directed VHS-shot music video, reinforcing its unsettling mood. “I wanted the music and the video to reflect this: the idea of being unstable, dramatic, almost going crazy with this scenario she’s created purely in her imagination,” she explains.
With Water and The Wine, Hawken expands her creative process, embracing collaboration with bandmates Matt Robson, Cyprien Jacquet, and Kobi Pham. Letting go of rigid control, she allowed the musicians to shape the songs in unexpected ways. “When our drummer Cyprien sent back his first version of Water and The Wine, he asked if it was what I wanted,” she recalls. “I told him it was so much better than what I wanted. From that moment, I was much more relaxed about letting the guys put their stamp on the songs.” This approach has resulted in a rawer, more dynamic sound, blending each band member’s contributions while still preserving Hawken’s creative vision. Kobi fine-tuned the mix, while Matt infused the tracks with his signature grit.
Hawken’s sound continues to evolve, drawing comparisons to Arctic Monkeys’ intensity, The Doors’ psychedelia, and Lana Del Rey’s noir-tinged storytelling. Her influences span a wide spectrum, something she attributes to her father’s eclectic musical taste. “My dad played a huge role,” she says. “His taste ranged from Black Sabbath to Beethoven and nearly everything in between. Being his daughter meant you had to really know music—he would test us. That variety has seeped into how I write.”
With a DIY ethos and a distinct artistic vision, Hawken has carved out a unique space in London’s indie music scene. Her stripped-back, evocative visuals complement her sound, creating a cohesive world that feels both raw and cinematic. Water and The Wine is the first of two EPs planned for 2025, setting the stage for what promises to be her most ambitious year yet.
Water and The Wine is set for release April 25th.
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