Two recent tracks from Virginia-based artist Caleb L’Etoile showcase an impassioned indie pop appeal, showing shades of Hot Chip, MGMT, and mewithoutyou in its aesthetical drive. “Inverse Living” and “Death Rattle” both succeed with their perky effervescence. The former is magnetic in its dynamic vocal layers and enthused bass-y pulse, melding instantaneous catchiness with an intimate thematic concept.
“This song is a mourning song in indie pop form,” L’Etoile explains. “A while back, I received news that my dog and best friend Hachi, only had 6-9 months to live. I’m very lucky and he kept living for the next 4 years. This song is about the trauma and pain of living with someone you love and knowing that they could die at any point in the immediate future, and how that wears with time. It’s an attempt to reconcile with the many ups and downs that happen along the way and also a way honoring my companion.
“Death Rattle” is also a standout, described by the artist as “a spooky love song that grapples with themes of desire and loss.” A peppy, clap-friendly percussive swell is complemented by buzzing synth elements and an overall vibrancy; the band mewithoutyou is cited as an influence, in regard to the vocal delivery. The “I wanna,” admissions pace initially with the peppy percussion and excitable vocals, shifting with intrigue into a more submerged vocal composure. Both these tracks are emotive, infectious successes from Caleb L’Etoile.
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These and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
