This single review is part of the Knightstown takeover (read more).
Of SOHN‘s two new singles released together – ‘Hue/Nil’ – ‘Nil’ seems to be the more popular so far, but ‘Hue’ is the superior work – a sparse, distinctive electronic reflection in the beautiful key of B minor.
The lyrics feel very personal. It would appear that the artist has invested his romantic future to someone special, only to lose them. We are given a privileged ‘consumer window’ into his grief. The greatest dignity he bestows on this person is by declaring that no artistic description can do justice to their multi-faceted beauty, particularly in the eyes of the beloved: “No prose or poem will do you truth.”
“Hue” is built upon a single looped piano motif that is heard in different harmonic and textural contexts throughout the song, a process that is very satisfying to listen to. It is this tinkling spectral piano figure heard in the opening bars which sets the meditative tone before the vocal and electronic ingredients seep into the soundworld.
Speaking of texture, the production and mixing of this track is exquisite – it is like a minimal tapestry of sound where each independent line can be picked out and savoured each time you listen.
Beautiful track.
SOHN – Hue/Nil is out now on 4AD
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