“Virulent Strain” is a track released today from .paperman, the project of Bryant Bayhan, featured last month with the nostalgic synth-pop effort “dialogue with a new mother.” “Virulent Strain” explores a more contemplative, melancholic sound with shimmering guitar additions. Per the artist, the track is “about a relationship falling apart on New Years Eve in San Francisco,” — and taking a cue aesthetically from “early 4AD dream pop bands.” 01:15 sees a galloping bass, dreamy guitar line, and spacey synths complement the serene vocal presence; it’s a gorgeous moment. “Virulent Strain” impresses throughout, and is my favorite yet from Bayhan.
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“Virulent Strain” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of October 2019’ Spotify playlist.
