I don’t support the Jets, but, like Clubfeet, I support Wonder Years.
Let’s take a trip to “Heartbreak Hotel” where even the winners aren’t getting laid. Clubfeet describe their newest single (part of an upcoming album) as “that fleeting moment of happiness before things begin to slide” and that pretty sums up their entire sound, and this song, very well. Cause Clubfeet make what I can only describe as intertwined, bittersweet electropop for star-crossed lovers. Couple that with the angelic voice of Chela and you get a post-summer anthem that eases us into the fall: another pearl has sprung from the shores of Melbourne.
It’s a shit ton of emotions wrapped into a really tight, melifluos package. It’s a song that is beautifully sad, and would be right at home on a recent list I stumbled upon (that can be summed up by Radiohead). Like “Baba O’Riley” (a prime example), these types of songs have a painfully nostalgic sound.
Songs with this trait essentially simultaneously embody pessimism and optimism–there’s something totally fulfilling and painful about listening to them. They come from a dark place and touch upon sad subjects. But beneath the angst and pain, springs some feeling of hope. And of course, all the right chords are struck that pluck away at your soul.
It’s not the Melbourne based band’s first foray into this type of sound, but this one is on an even higher pedestal, and just pushes all the right buttons. For the uninitiated, Clubfeet are like a diet Miami Horror, a little more downtempo, a little less disco-infused, but just as painstakingly awesome.
But Chela’s voice, which was also the driving force on Fifteen, truly propels the song. Just as Kimbra (before she sang with that pale dude) was the magical key to one of Miami Horror’s breakthrough tracks, Chela seems to have that exact same touch. Like Kimbra, Chela has just simply got the “it” factor–and in Goldroom and now Clubfeet, was featured on the perfect tracks. I don’t know if her musical/songwriting chops match her vocals, but she sounds like the next star in the making from down under.
While I’ve never been to Melbourne–or anywhere in Australia for that matter–the vibe constantly coming out of there is just unparalleled. Between acts like Cut Copy, Midnight Juggernauts, and ze Horror, it’s an oasis of promised land for G.O.O.D. music.
“I just want your tears to drown out my sorrow, I don’t want to start again tomorrow.”
From heartbreak–and really, any major disappointment–the only way to recover is to keep fighting for what you love. If getting your heart shatters feels anything like this song, then I’m clearly missing out.
Clubfeet feat. Chela – Heartbreak
Equally lush:
Clubfeet – BrightLightsBigCity (Mercury Remix)
