In the world of dark pop Raven Numan goes deeper than most, tempering this modernist twist on gothic culture with sinister touches of old-school industrial and pitch black lyricism full of raw, open vulnerability. Her sound is both instantly identifiable and eclectic, the likes of ‘My Reflection’ and ‘Just A Number’ provoking different atmospheres while sounding distinctly like Raven. There’s no letting up in that vehement style as Raven now shares her latest single ‘In Your Head’.

‘In Your Head’ takes that shadowy introspection further within a song that hits at the heart of feeling both intense love and immense hatred for someone, like some kind of twisted Halloween romance. That inner turmoil erupts in a contrast of desire and disgust, and lust with aloof disinterest as Raven’s mind weaves and wanders between the two extremes. The music pulsates with slow motion intensity, bringing fresh elements alongside Raven’s bewitching voice: a punchy, trap-tinged beat and a Middle-Eastern motif in an industrial setting that recalls Killing Joke’s ‘Pandemonium’ album. In short: just as you think you know what you expect from Raven, she keeps you second guessing.

Raven says, “I wrote ‘In Your Head’ about three years ago, it’s somewhat directed towards someone I’ve known for quite a few years but have only met a few times. It’s about intense feelings of obsession for someone who’s out of reach. I found myself replaying every moment, feeling an overwhelming desire to know them more deeply. My thoughts were consumed by fantasies of what could be, creating a tension between my longing and the reality of our brief interactions. This song reflects my struggle with the powerful emotions that come from wanting someone I can’t have. Psychotic, I know, but we all are at times, especially when we want something bad enough.”

‘In Your Head’ was written by Raven and produced by her regular collaborator, this time with mixing from Nathan Boddy (Mura Masa, James Blake).

Raven channels the song’s sinisterly seductive spirit in its accompanying video. Her intense gaze never lets up throughout the visual, creating a pull that’s both intimately alluring and discomfitingly intimidating. It’s a juxtaposition that’s only heightened as her blood-red razorblade fingernails crawl menacingly in the foreground of the shot.

New supporters emerge with every new release, with this growing covens of ravens now including Daniel P. Carter at Radio 1, Kerrang!, Shirley Manson of Garbage, FAULT, ODALïSQUE and mxdwn, along with support from the misfits 2.0 playlist at Spotify.

While Raven draws on influences that aren’t always go-to names from young artists – Deftones, Lana Del Rey, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Nine Inch Nails and Ministry – her themes explore the zeitgeist of twenty-something existence with a cavalcade of agitated experiences that are common among her generation, from body confidence to addiction to BPD. Raven’s music becomes a safe place, a place where her exploration of life’s savage challenges helps outsiders to come to terms with their own experiences.