There - “Swimming Backwards”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Lucius, The xx, Lykke Li

Israeli electronic pop duo There only have one single formally released, but blooming, tension-building track “Swimming Backwards” is such an intriguing start. Building from heartbeat percussion and spacey, staccato melodies, “Swimming Backwards” patiently grows layer by layer over a tight four minutes. Dreamy guitar chords and kick-drum propulsion pick up the song’s steam to turn the corner to a dense, shoegaze-like conclusion. The duo’s voices work in ghostly harmony, creating natural reverb that’s a perfect compliment to their clean, tense pop sound. It’s a pleasing trip and one of the stronger singles from SXSW artists this year, so a full set is an exciting prospect from these precise newcomers. (Kevin McStravick)