Listen: Standish/Carlyon – Gucci Mountain

When we spoke to Anglo-Aussie duo Standish/Carlyon recently, the former explicitly expressed their old band, Devastations had been put to bed – for now – and the surrealist pop-noir sound of new track, ‘Nono/Yoyo’ would form the backbone of their forthcoming debut, Deleted Scenes. That slow-burning, cinematic style feels even more refined on the album’s second single, ‘Gucci Mountain’.

An intro of billowing synthesizer gives way to Conrad’s swaggering, rubbery bass licks and loosely slapped snare. The production is sharper and arguably more reserved than the gratuitous grinding of ‘Nono/Yoyo’ but a thin veneer of sensuality remains preserved in the intimately muted beats and Conrad’s quivering lilt. If you prefer your pop music esoteric and cut with a touch of industrial dub, meet your new favourite band.