The track begins with a vocal siren wrapped around jazz instrumentation, immediately opening up a sonic portal to the band’s imagined hazy soundscape. As the lyrics begin, the backing softens into fainter, acoustic tones, allowing lead singer Augusta “Gus” Alexander’s commanding chords their full reach.
The song develops into an earworm around the chorus, with the line “I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know you all so well” on loop, hypnotic and charming, with the assistance of the upbeat accompaniment behind it. The soft, implied familiarity evokes a nostalgic warmth.
The ever-shifting vocal styles and assortment of instruments within ‘Shortcuts’ runtime enrich the tune with texture as the band tastefully showcases their range by creating a collage of eloquent, refined noise. Alexander flicks effortlessly from celestial vocals to more distinct vocals in the chorus while the composition behind her flicks from shimmering jazz to a softer indie-style.
‘Shortcuts’ is a promising addition to GOODTWIN’s growing catalogue - not merely a single but also a versatile, multi-dimensional experience, stirring up memories of the middle of summer in all its ethereal, evocative magic.
Zahra Hanif
Image: ‘Shortcuts’ Official Single Cover
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