Until The Windows Are Open

Real Estate “Freeze Brain”

Real Estate don’t get groovy too often but on the occasions when they lean into a funkier bass line it suits them rather well. This isn’t to say you’d confuse “Freeze Brain” for funk music – the slinky bass part and tight pocket beat have more of a late 90s down-beat lounge aesthetic along the lines of Air’s first record. It’s a song with a pensive walking vibe that actually starts with lyrics about going on pensive walks, but then expands its emotional scope to be more about trying to find small moments of peace and joy while otherwise sinking into despair. The lyrics settle on at least pretending to be optimistic but I hear a little more faith in Martin Courtney’s voice than that, particularly when his vocal melody bounces off the beat a little.

Buy it from Bandcamp.