After releasing the single “Radio” a little over two months ago, the Durham, NC based duo Sylvan Esso has dropped another thumping, pop-oriented groove. "Kick Jump Twist," like "Radio," begins with vintage, even nostalgic, synthesizers and samples. The bleeps and bloops are emblematic of Atari 8-bit videogames, and it’s hard not to imagine lead singer, Amelia Meath, punching hovering brick blocks with shimmering gold coins popping out.
This plunky beginning, however, quickly combines with Nick Sanborn’s quintessential production. The song masterfully builds, and in comparison to their first record, the latest singles of Esso demonstrate an evolution in composition. Esso seems comfortable with not giving the full drop till much later in the song, creating more complex layers of synths, and playing rhythms off Meath’s voice.
As of yet, there no definitive date for a new LP, but one imagines that with these new singles the sophomore album isn’t far off. You can, however, buy the two tracks out right now as a 12’’ via Loma Vista/Concord/Caroline International.
Listen to "Kick Jump Twist" below, and read our interview with Nick Sanborn here.