Listen: Death Rattle – “Wait” [Premiere]

Death Rattle, London electro-pop duo Chris and Helen Hamilton, have thus far displayed a gothic, industrial feather in their cap, but they retreat a bit from the claustrophobic soundscapes of last year’s Fortress EP on their latest single, “Wait”.

“Wait” is simultaneously paced by an itchy, skittering synth twitch paired with a gently reverberating guitar arpeggio loop. While periodic whooshes threaten to creep in and crowd the space, they’re just teases whilst the Hamiltons keep things relatively open and spacious, particularly compared to previous writings.

This works primarily to Helen’s advantage as her honeyed vocals no longer have to compete with the viscosity and aggression of her surroundings. She’s able to sincerely convey regret and vulnerability, using her accompaniments as complements, extricating tangible ache from lines like: “I’ve been drying the wrong tears”.

Death Rattle’s debut LP is tentatively scheduled for autumn release and their next live date is 28 May at The Old Blue Last, London.