atOlla's new single is pretty perfectly summed up by the track title, "Arctic Gazing." A strange and beautiful blend of ambient electronic beats and husky vocals with bright, occasionally shimmering synths and a delicately driving rhythm, it almost sounds like a kind of synth-led shoegaze track.
The Sydney duo, comprised of singer-songwriter Matilda Stephanie and songwriter-producer James Santos, have an incredible talent for creating ethereal, floaty tunes that manage to stay grounded and catchy enough to not simply be considered new-age ambience.
There's a depth and maturity to Matilda's vocals that continued to surprise and delight me throughout. It is the perfect balance to the sparkling synths, and her natural abilities shine through even the most echoed, delayed phrases.
atOlla's upcoming EP, Lucille, will be released next month. Preceeded by Ophelia and Ayapaneco, it's the third and final instalment in a series of three EPs. Listen to more here.
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