Los Angeles-based duo Mike and Mandy impress on their second single “Caught The Bug,” which follows up their debut EP, Shelter in Place. The climactic, stylistically diverse success is described as “a sonic picture of a modern relationship gone off the rails,” — specifically, exploring the role of seeking approval and affirmation within a relationship, and how that can result in ensuing toxicity, abuse, and being the victim of a narcissist.
A late-night mystique is apparent right away, with string-laden mystique and sporadic bass pulses complementing a debonair spoken-word engrossment. The piano-laden “always needed me,” sequence struts a melancholic, melodic intrigue into the perkier guitar-touched dynamic thereafter; the eclectic tonal range in the first minute alone is palpable, culminating in the spirited “take a breather,” guitar swipes and ghostly vocal backing. Riveting string arrangements, escalating vocal work, and a series of inventive hooks lead the catching “Caught The Bug” from Mike and Mandy.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
