An emotively nostalgic synth-pop single from Los Angeles-based artist Jeffrey Chan, “Distance” embraces a soulful vocal confidence alongside dynamic synths, ranging from bass-y murkiness to brighter key stabs. “I think about us always going the distance,” Chan admits during a particularly atmospheric synths, as percussion fades and the playful synth components converge. Rhythms kick back in as the “going the distance,” refrain becomes hypnotically embedded.
The concluding vocal line emphasizes the charismatic vocal presence, seamlessly shifting between passionate outpouring and more subdued reflection. Aesthetically, I’m fondly reminded of Erasure’s romantic-feeling synth-pop pursuits, meshed with a modern clarity. The track’s suave yearning and polished synth-pop production thoroughly excel.
Serving as the follow-up to Chan’s single “Surreal,” “Distance” takes inspiration from a current relationship and self-reflections alike. “‘Distance’ is a song that has multiple layers of meaning,” Chan explains. “During the writing process I really reflected on the past few months and how I’ve literally “gone the distance” in order to continue to chase my childhood dreams. It’s sort of like I wrote this song for my younger self and it felt quite cathartic.”
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of November 2023’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
