In a new video, the enigmatic characters from Fever Ray’s “Radical Romantics” universe have gathered for an unusual group therapy session. The session was staged to promote a new album and a forthcoming book.
The artist, whose real name is Karin Dreijer, previously played all these roles in music videos. Now, they have reunited for the video “I’m Not Done (Therapy Session).” The session was led by a therapist named Ebba, the only character not played by Dreijer.
The Quietus spoke with the actor who played Ebba. She offered a psychological assessment of the troubled figures in her care.
The Patients
The group includes several of Fever Ray’s most memorable creations:
Demona Lisa: An axe-wielding figure who sought revenge on a school bully.
Main: An office worker who escaped a dull life through vivid fantasies.
Snusis: A troll-like creature last seen isolated in a remote tundra.
Romance: A confident, pink-suited performer who serenaded Main.
Fever Ray: The central figure, who observes the others with wary interest.
The Therapist’s Assessments
On Demona Lisa: Ebba linked Demona’s violent behavior to a troubled childhood. “She’s showing clear symptoms of being stuck in her childhood,” Ebba said. She noted that Demona’s habit of touching her breasts appeared to be a sign of “insecurity.” Attempts to use therapy to stop this behavior were unsuccessful.
On Main: Ebba was critical of Main’s search for love. “They thought love would set them free – I smell weakness,” she stated. She believes Main needs to focus on self-improvement before seeking external salvation.
On Snusis: Ebba diagnosed Snusis with “hermit syndrome.” She said the character withdraws from reality instead of facing problems. She also expressed frustration with Snusis’s childish behavior in session, calling it “disgusting.”
On Romance: Ebba expressed a personal fondness for Romance, calling him a “handsome gentleman.” However, she saw him become a target for the group. “If you’re not doing well you don’t want others to do well,” she explained, acknowledging a potential flaw in her therapy method.
On Fever Ray: Ebba’s assessment of Fever Ray was that they lack boundaries. “They just draw in others’ energy, and become like them,” she said. She reported they are now in private sessions working on this issue.
A Challenging Case
Ebba described the group as one of the biggest challenges of her career. “I think they, in a way, represent everything that’s wrong with this world,” she said.
Despite the difficulties, she remains committed. “I don’t see my job as a job. I see it as my hobby and I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”
A special publication on the “Radical Romantics” universe is available for order now. The new album, “The Year Of The Radical Romantics,” will be released on December 5.
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