In many ways relationships get easier over time, though Australian songwriter couple Rowena Wise and Didirri are quite open with the struggles of maintaining a romantic partnership for nearly a decade on their new duet “No Cure for Love.” Written upon discovering the “double-edged sword” that is long-term love, the earnest track deeply examines the cracks that may have been long avoided, comfortably coming to terms with them as both artists sound at-ease across the track’s four minutes. “We’ve been in a relationship for eight years, and turbulence is inevitable with anything that lasts a long time,” they share in a joint statement. “During a phase of smoking weed and arguments, we could not see eye to eye. It was confusing when we’ve known each other so deeply and for so long, only to arrive at the feeling that we’re complete strangers. In those moments we considered whether the bond that tied us together was becoming too much to bear.”
The tight folk-rock instrumental gives voice to the lyrics’ exhaustion just as much as it bolsters the loving sense of comfort both songwriters find in each other’s company as they trade verses and synchronize their voices at every swell. “This song captures those moments where we have crumbled, said hurtful things, and had to look at our options. We came out of that chapter ready to face the challenge of our love, realizing we can only love and respect each other if we do this for ourselves first.”
Along with the single comes a black-and-white video directed by Didirri which quite literally captures the song’s isolation and vulnerability. “We were stripped bare and tied up for the final shot of the clip, embracing a new phase of creativity by exploring body positivity in both our artistic expressions,” the duo notes. “We were supported by an incredible crew which made the challenge fun to undertake.”
Check out the video below, and playlist the track here. Additionally, Wise will be in North America next month for a brief tour surrounding SXSW—check out the full list of dates here.
