Hey Elbow are an experimental pop trio who have fused together their experience in jazz and musical education to create a sound that pushes the boundaries of dream pop and ambient noise. The release of their latest single Nurture/Aptitude, from their forthcoming album We Three, set to be released on September 18th on Adrian Recordings, is a concoction of shoegaze tones with an alternative edge.
Lead singer Julia Ringdahl’s otherwordly vocals start the track with a choral-like chant that sets the scene for the cinematic sound of atmospheric synth. The break in the middle of Nurture/Aptitude comes with a flurry of thumping, offbeat drums that add to the ambience, with Hey Elbow’s focus being on the sonic textures, creating an up-tempo pop song that immerses you in a hypnotic melody. Weaving a jungle of guitars, ethereal harmonies and a catchy chorus, the enigmatic act’s free-flowing approach to songwriting has created a unique and distinctive style.
With Nurture/Aptitude, Hey Elbow have produced a song with dreamy pop tones and electronic qualities, which gives off the impression that the band aren’t afraid to walk awkwardly between the two worlds to craft an impressive and catchy sonic masterpiece.