London electro-pop trio’s new single “Real” is a great glimpse at what can come of marrying the moody R&B elements that have been dominating the Soundcloud-o-sphere for the past year or so with a propulsive, pop-oriented bent. Built on an insistent, hand-clap-driven beat and warm bass, “Real” feels a bit like How to Dress Well on steroids, a sonic kindred spirit with vocal deep house that invites repeat listens with big pre-choruses and hooks, vocalist Olly Alexander making the most of the song’s excellent production.
It’s a dance-floor anthem for stunted lovers: “I talk to you but it don’t work/I touch you but it starts to hurt/What have I been doing wrong?”
Listen to “Real” below.
