Indie pop outfit China Aster flout the skewed concept of logic in love with their latest single Reason.
If the cheesy sound of 80s experimentation had a revival embellished with undertones of dark academia, it would manifest in the shape of this tune. Characterised by the band as a “weird pop love ballad”, Reason tells a story that defies the idea of passion and rationality being mutually exclusive in love. It’s corny but clever, brining musical and thematic ideology into the 21st century.
Melancholic guitar motifs strung together with a dash of chromaticism introduce the ballad, while a timely drum machine ticks sporadically beneath. A shimmer of synth draws in the intense vocals of Joshua Moore who wrote and co-produced the track. As the story unfolds with the image becoming clear, more of those early influences shine through in the form of reverbed snare hits and a softly jabbing bass synth.
Although the track doesn’t reach a particularly notable pinnacle, its calm aura settles you into a daydreaming-like state that floats on once the outro dies. The feeling is almost meditative.
There’s something inexplicably healing about Reason. It’s warm, gentle, and the familiarity that comes with its inspiration provides comfort. Listen to this when those feelings are required and take what you need.
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK // INSTAGRAM // TWITTER