Following their previous single ‘Hot Slob’ earlier this year, electropop duo Sylvan Esso (composed of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn) return in style with their latest ‘Concrete Glen’. 

Sampling Sigur Ros’ infamous ‘Svefn-g-englar’, the Americans manage to transport listeners right back to the 2000s, steering away from the Y2K trends and into the more gritty and raw aspects of that decade. 

Admittedly much calmer than what the duo has released in the past, the newest addition to their discography still draws you in. The clattering drums perfectly helping to break through the more down-beat atmosphere and balanced out perfectly by the smooth hum of the bass (courtesy of Sanborn) which carries itself with a certain elegance throughout the three and a bit minute runtime. 

Although melancholic at its core, as highlighted by Meath’s somber vocals and emotive lyrics which paint vivid pictures in your head: “when I’m smiling through the icy flows / Concrete Glan, never let you out / kiss you on the mouth, swallow you down”. 

Taken from their upcoming album ‘Ow’, which is expected for release on the 11th of September via the duo’s ambitious record label Psychic Hotlines, both ‘Concrete Glen’ and ‘Hot Slob’ demonstrate that the project is already shaping up into something spectacular. 

Madi Briggs

@disc0mbob

Image: Graham Tolbert