orbit - “Follow Don’t Follow”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 8

Pairs Well With…Rufus Du Sol, James Blake, Bob Moses

Warmth oftentimes is the x-factor of a great electro-pop track, a quality that defines German artist orbit’s early catalog. Ranging from pure ambience to mid-tempo electronica, orbit covers space from lonely to groovy on his latest mini-LP Sunday by the River. Arpeggiated synths, soft house beats, and whispered R&B vocals float, ducking and weaving in smooth tandem. While dealing in electronic-based music, there’s a rawness to orbit’s music that makes these hypnotic tracks sound surprisingly natural. While textures swell and recede, orbit avoids easy outs like builds and drops, instead subtly controlling the pace and power of his music in emotional accord.