An ever-elusive OWBY delivers an intoxicating ocean of harmonies and ambient escapism, with the uniquely genre-blending tones and togetherness of Closer.
Built around a choir of vocals initially presenting a Gospel-style warmth and calm, Closer goes on to weave in a handful of humble yet effective layers of trip hop to EDM rhythms and keys. The verse vocal redirects things towards more of a pop-RnB vibe, before we drop back in for a seductive bounce of a hook; a familiar moment gifted all the more appeal for its natural connection to the evolving beat.
Rarely do we get to experience this kind of careful balancing of organic vocal wonder and masterful electronic production. The track is all at once catchy and original, immersive and memorable, and it begs for you to both dance and join in melodically as the purity and imagery of the lyrics rain down.
Openly a sequel to the single BREATH, by The Blaze, Closer is essentially a world-music-fusion of traits united in this shared expression of romantic uncertainty and the search for meaning. It’s an addictive listen, unorthodox but satisfying, and will likely have you coming back to listen over more than a few times.