Single Of The Week
Julia Holter : I Shall Love 2
‘I Shall Love 2’ is a leading example of how high and low art can be merged without forsaking potency. It’s difficult to imagine a more transporting piece of music, at least one that doesn’t necessitate clearing your schedule in order to listen. Holter begins the track in a quiet place with a curious if undecided air. By its conclusion she sounds unassailably free, unleashing a crescendo of strings, percussion and reverb-soaked vocals that wouldn’t sound out of place on the new Spiritualized album. It’s exactingly composed and breeds a feeling as plainly joyous as any pop song you’ll hear.
Joey Purp : Elastic
I shudder to think how much a Pharrell production costs. But Joey Purp has a knack for generating Neptunes-vibes without breaking the bank. ‘Elastic’, from Purp’s Quarterthing LP, isn’t the Chicago MC’s first track to interpolate Pharrell’s hyper-organic party squelch, but it’s not held down in mere homage. For one thing, Purp’s natural flair behind the mic allows him to outstrip his influences, feigning a tone of disinterest as he contemplates potential sexual partners.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu : Kizunami
Kawaii your heart out. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is nothing if not consistent. ‘Kizunami’ is a bubbly, childlike pop song boasting synthesised production that’s glossy to the point of being artificial. Well, in essence, it is artificial, but it’s also tastefully executed, which prevents it sounding insincere. It’s also blindingly catchy even if you haven’t a clue what Pamyu’s saying. And although lacking any distinct vocal power, the Japanese superstar makes a direct impression by virtue of her clean, unstrained delivery.
Emma Russack & Lachlan Denton : Being With You
Goodness bursts at the seams of this simple song about the joy of being with someone. One assumes it’s Emma and Lachlan celebrating their creative and romantic partnership, but even so, there’s nothing schmaltzy about it. That’s partly thanks to the rollicking garage-pop arrangement, which instructs you to turn off the news, put down your goddamn phone and appreciate the good shit right in front of you. Find it on the Osborne Again compilation, Stay Inside.
