You Never Have A Clue

Grimes “Oblivion”

There’s a girlishness to the sound of Claire Boucher’s voice on this track that makes the music seem a bit twee, but there’s something a bit deeper and darker going on in the arrangement. The tune seems to tangle itself around a synth part that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Knife or Little Dragon record, the vocal melody sounding a bit like someone trying to sing “I Think We’re Alone Now” but not quite getting it right. The swirling piano-like sound and wordless vocals on the breakdown are another curveball – simple and innocent, but very sophisticated in its construction. The piece subtly mutates a couple more times after that without losing its shape. Tuneful, emotionally ambiguous stuff.

Visit Arbutus Records’ Grimes page.