first known use have arrived with their debut single, the dream-pop anthem ‘Semantics’. The track flickers effortlessly from an airy calm to an explosive intensity, showcasing an inspiring fusion between lead singer Izze Kaukonen’s silky vocals and instrumentalist Ethan Fitzpatrick’s intricate guitar work. 

Initially, the song presents itself as a lullaby, with soft chords and Kaukonen’s gentle tones easing us in as she sings of wanting what she can’t have: “Wanting the fire / But know it’s out cold”. This delicate beginning slowly crescendos, as the song erupts at the end of the third verse into a magnificent rush of pure yearning, as Kaukonen cries “down on my knees”, emphasising her longing for this unspecified entity. 

The songwriting is remarkably vivid throughout, compelling strong, yet beautifully disjointed imagery - from “I see / Two parts of me / One in the water” to “I try it all the time / I wait until the hearth surrounds me” - anchoring the dream-like sonics with an equally surreal narrative.

‘Semantics’ is an incredibly promising introduction from first known use, displaying the intricacies and versatility within the Burlington-based duo’s ethereal soundscape. The musical restraint exhibited throughout is remarkable for a debut, solidifying the pair as ones to watch in the indie-pop scene. 

Zahra Hanif

Image: ‘Semantics’ Official Single Cover