Joe Goddard - Gabriel (Feat. Valentina)

Joe Goddard is a man with his fingers in many pies: vocalist/percussionist/synth man from off-beat electronic pop band Hot Chip; one half of house-inspired duo 2 Bears; remixer, producer, and solo artist. The latter’s latest offering is the title track of a joint- released, four track EP on DFA records and Goddard’s own Greco-Roman label. Featuring new songstress Valentina’s effortlessly beautiful vocals, this is a laidback and understated track. By this very nature this means that it is also a bit of a slow burner , but give it a couple of listens and the insistent, dance floor-ready drums and hypnotic melody will have you hooked. The track is apparently inspired by Goddard’s love of songs with a religious focus, and aims for "that gospel feeling" that such songs evoke, hence the name 'Gabriel', which is also a reference to the Roy Davis Jr song (Which is, in Joe’s words, "a garage classic")

It may drift by during listening, not unpleasantly I may add, sending you into a foot-tapping, head-nodding daze, but that hook will be on the brain long after it’s done. This song is further proof that Goddard really understands what he’s doing: he truly knows how to make clever, beautiful music. Oh, and it has a pretty trippy video too.

By Holly Read-Challen