South London band Tugboat Captain aren’t afraid of change. Over the past 10 years, their fluctuating ensemble of musicians has evolved and developed like a living organism. The departure of their keyboard player late last year moved them offstage and into the studio with renewed vigour. Their new single ‘Us And The Moon’ shows an evolution of their baroque-pop sound, but they remain as unique and surprising as ever.
The song tells a contemplative tale of a night-time meander of South London, and the opening bars – with its ticking clock and hauntingly atmospheric organ & strings – create a lilting, organic sound that I absolutely loved.
Frontman Alexander Sokolow (aka Sox) arrives softly, his vocal carrying an irresistible hook and a crystal clear tone.
“And if I sleep in through the afternoon
I’ll dream about you and I’ll dream about the moon”
The 5/4 time creates a subtly off-kilter feel, like the ground slowly shifting under your feet.
The repeating melody throughout ‘Us And The Moon’ keeps circling back like a carousel at the fairground. Its simplicity is its strength, and the whole thing feels hypnotic, ornate and wonderfully dream-like.
The track builds and builds, layers of synths, strings, vocals and cymbals reaching a crescendo before giving way to some beautifully tactile percussion, with all the grit and warmth of a sawdust-floored tavern.
Tugboat Captain’s music feels like stories told by a weathered old soul, and ‘Us And The Moon’ offers a delicately luminous first glimpse of their forthcoming album ‘All At Once’.
Written by Grubby
