A catchy and hypnotic slice of pop magic, “02 20 20” consumes with ease. The track comes from Xelli Island, the dreamy pop project of Lianna Vanicelli. Reminiscent of The Knife’s pulsing synth-laden hypnotics, as well as Grimes’ dark-pop grasp, the aesthetic here is easily memorable. A sugar-rush of a hook reveals before the one-minute mark, the playfully moving synths and repeating vocal infectiousness converging with ample melodic appeal.
Vanicelli, originally from Detroit and now based in Los Angeles, has worked closely alongside producer and longtime friend Jon Zott since last summer. Bassist Mathew Hofman provides additional collaboration.
“02 20 20” is the first track from Xelli Island’s forthcoming debut EP, which Vanicelli says is her “life’s work,” out later this year.
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“02 20 20” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of August 2020’ Spotify playlist.
The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Pop.
