A haunting production with bluesy graveyard-set contemplation, “Cartoon Concept” is the latest single from Quenta, the London-based duo who impressed with the track “The Two of Us” in June. Title-referencing vocal layers stir amidst eerie piano, venturing thereafter into a trip-hop rhythmic feeling as solemn mandolin subtlety enters the mix. Shades of Tom Waits and Nick Cave arise in the “I can see you ain’t no friend of mine,” debonair remark, swelling into the haunting “here we are,” refrain.
A meditative aesthetic success, “Cartoon Concept” is described by the project as addressing “how society judges beauty and the unrealistic external standards it holds people to – no matter the consequences.” Tom Waits’ “junkyard period” is cited as a particular influence, particularly in the piano’s resonating tonal role. The “all this fighting, no resolving,” conclusion resonates with a striking poignancy, impactful in its unfortunately universal relatability.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of September 2023’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
