“The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect, the way you live, the gifts that you give,” Rush drummer Neil Peart once wrote. The love and respect with which deceased 8 Inch Betsy frontwoman Meghan Galbraith lived was remarkable. And even in death, she continues to give the world the gift of her music, with her queercore trio set to release its long-awaited sophomore and final album The Mean Days tomorrow in Galbraith’s memory.
Below, and exclusively here at Transmission, you can have a listen to “So Dark,” the newest single from the album. In context, the title takes on a poignant new meaning–Galbraith howling it over and over at song’s end is nothing short of heartbreaking–but for the most part, “So Dark” is full of life, a permanent reminder of the vivacity that Galbraith brought to 8 Inch Betsy. Her voice runs ragged with the sting of betrayal, but she isn’t cowed–in fact, she resolves to move forward, backed by sunny but hard-nosed guitar chords and a driving rhythm section that has no time to dwell on the past. It’s a beautiful, simple, representative final statement from a woman who left an indelible mark on not just the queer community or the music community, but upon everyone whose life she touched. LISTEN HERE…