Last Friday Rotterdam duo The Policy released their excellent new single, ‘Das Lebenslied’. It’s just their second original offering and comes two years after the promising ‘Rebirth’. Simultaneously strange and alluring, its sauntering rhythm, slow analog fuelled arpeggio and familiar melody albeit played on sitar, give it a knowing dance floor character.
The motorik driven lag and minimalist framework however, also allows its experienced creators Pierre Hagelaars and Thijmen Hoebink to employ an array of unlikely electronic and acoustic instrumentation that subtilely aligns classical Hindustani sounds of the northern part of Indian sub-continent with the spatial elements of kosmische musik and the club vibes of house bringing a sonic uniqueness to musical roads well travelled.
These are best seen in its two mini breakdowns. The deep horn melody is quickly enveloped by a creative atmospheric surge and burgeoning flanged synth before being silenced to allow for an ace drum fill. All collectively serve to foreshadow the verse and its robotic vocal eccentricities. They later return complete with a glassy, distorted and dishevelled piano melody to usher the track back to its default position.
‘Das Lebenslied’ is cleverly composed, deftly arranged and meticulously timed to not only accentuate its contrasting qualities but also create the space necessary to bring forth a superlative disquiet to proceedings. And that is what that sets it apart from its influences. It’s out now on [PIAS] Recordings. Buy here.
Das Lebenslied
The Policy (NET)
From the single, ‘Das Lebenslied’, [PIAS] Recordings.
Audio Stream
Das Lebenslied (Extended Version)
The Policy (NET)
From the single, ‘Das Lebenslied’, [PIAS] Recordings.
Audio Stream