As one of the songs off their new debut album, Snakeskin, NYC project Cutouts (Alex MacKay of Nation of Language) found a way to revitalize darkwave music with some of the most creative production you’ll hear on “Firstborn.” The first, and perhaps most striking, aspect heard on the track is the unique drum programming, which slaps “Firstborn” into life before the vocals follow soon after. The added clap rhythm is the cherry on top of an instrumental that keeps going, making for a song that aims to make you equal parts disturbed and compelled to dance.
Similar to MacKay’s puzzling lyrics, the industrial sounds in the background help build up towards a roaring climax, where just about every instrument comes up to the surface and ricochets off of one another. However, Cutouts don’t let the drums get lost in the frenzy, allowing them to keep slapping the ears of the listeners from start to finish. For anyone approaching this single with skepticism, those fears are quickly put to rest and replaced with a sense of awe for how Cutouts was able to piece everything together.
Catch Cutouts in Los Angeles at Gold-Diggers on May 15. Visit Cutouts on their website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
In case you’re on the search for more new music, you can stream our Best New Songs of the Month playlist for even more new tracks from up-and-comers and veterans alike.
Listen to “Firstborn” the new single from Cutouts below.
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