SOTD #145 // The Proper Ornaments: ‘Recalling’

There’s a slight hypnotic trait hidden deep within the motorik grooves of ‘Recalling’, a subtle dose – as if you’ve just been peppered with diazepam but are somehow resisting the urge to let it take you over. It’s a short, three-minute measure, and once it’s over you’re not entirely sure where the time has gone. There’s nothing tangible to grasp, no instantly memorable lyrics, phrases or passages. Just that beat, over and over. Like a rabid dog it sinks its teeth deep into your psyche, and, with the volume high it causes your chest to rumble dramatically. And then, suddenly out of nowhere there’s a refrain that rings true and familiar – even though it feels like its the first time we’ve heard it: “recalling the good times, the good times I’ve had” – like a lost Ray Davies lyric, doused in nostalgia and warmth. This is something very special indeed.

Putting the wax lyrical dictionary to one side for a moment, the finer details are as follows. The Proper Ornaments are London based duo James Hoare (from Veronica Falls) and Max Claps. ‘Recalling’ is their debut single and was released this week via the San Francisco based Make A Mess Records. It’s available now on a very pretty 7″ from Rough Trade.

The Proper Ornaments: ‘Recalling’