A hypnotic sound permeates throughout “Don’t Speak,” a recent single from Glasgow-based artist Arkle that cohesively melds trip-hop nostalgia with an atmospheric electronic immersion. Described as an ode to lost love and the breaking down of a relationship, “Don’t Speak” dazzles in its balance of ethereal vocal introspection, steady percussive movement, and dynamics between serene and dark synth tones. The former DJ derives inspiration from a variety of scenes, from club culture and jazz to ambient, glitch, and drum-and-bass.
“Don’t Speak” is also representative of Arkle’s first song with vocals. The main refrain — “don’t speak, better not to say a word,” — exudes ample mystique, aesthetically conjuring Caribou’s collaborations with Jessy Lanza. The intoxicating vocal presence complements a variety of resonating moments; the “raindrops beating,” sequence proves especially enveloping, as glitch-y wordless vocal segments adorn in the background as the lead fades momentarily. The five-minute turn also invigorates in its slight percussive uptick. “Don’t Speak” is a stirringly atmospheric electro-pop success from Arkle.
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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.
