Classically-trained Hockitay has had a great run recently. The Guatemalan-born, Montreal-based artist’s last couple of singles earned acclaim from numerous publications, and were added to multiple Spotify editorial playlists, delivering six-figure streaming numbers.
The latest single is “two crows”, and it is a beautifully disorientating piece of songwriting.
From the very first moment it is like stepping into somebody else’s dream, but soon the melody and groove reveal themselves. When the vocal arrives – lyrics blurred into a lazy drawl – the human touch does at least offer some comfort.
“two crows” has some wonderfully experimental sound choices. Full of warped wailing and groaning, there are pulsating reversed sounds, drones, and heavy distortion which create surreal Dali-esque moments.
Despite all of the strangeness, there is a delicate musicality throughout: A kind of Alice In Wonderland whimsy.
The track’s title is a reference to the old superstition that two crows are an omen of partnership and good luck, and the track does have a slighter lighter feel than previous singles. There is a bit more air and space, especially in the words:
“The truth is in the thigh
A circle will gather the day we die
A pine box at last
Old wood is new wood, just like that”
“two crows” explores more experimental territory, and is intriguingly hard to pigeonhole. That’s why this is one of the most unique and memorable tracks I’ve heard in ages. Take a listen to “two crows” below.
Written by Grubby
