I’m sharing two
things today as one find providentially led to the other ...
and because I like you just that much.
Gotye’s been one of those artists that I’ve heard of but
never actually heard, and with a name that doesn’t get any
easier to pronounce, Wouter De Backer is the man behind the
moniker. The Belgian-born Aussie heralded the release of his
third full-length, Making Mirrors, with the stellar single,
"Somebody That I Used To Know," and it’s apparent that
complexity runs beyond the pronunciation of namesakes. The
track is seemingly straightforward - basic
instrumentation with bare vocals. However, nothing is ever
as it seems, and simple parts lead to an intricately complex
song. Simple, minimal instrumentation lends way to highly
detailed, intriguing beats that work dynamically with the
true focus of the track - bare vocals that share the
confessional lyrics of an all too familiar outline, a bad
relationship. It’s a whisper of calm and stillness before
the refrain sets in and impassioned vigor takes over to
literally turn up the volume on the track. We’re then
treated to a track of peaks and troughs that build and break
in the way that love is renowned for. Oh, and then comes
Kimbra ...
Kimbra’s addition to Gotye’s track as the equally scorned ex
- harmonizing alongside with delicate, hurt vocals that are
just as fervent as De Backer’s - was enough of an excuse for
me to further search her out, and for a 21 year old
newcomer, she’s already beyond her years. The
Melbourne-based Kiwi carries incredible vocal precision with
simple loops of her voice creating a backbone of beats that
mix with a blend of pop, jazz and soul.
:Gotye
- Somebody I Used To Know:
:Kimbra
- Settle Down:
- Brad Benedict
Corteza -
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John Laird under a
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