serpentwithfeet

Josiah Wise, also known by his moniker serpentwithfeet, likes to ask himself "What would Brandy, Björk or Bilal do?" when making music. The provocation question perfectly positions the singer artistically -- a mix of avant grade eccentricity with classic R&B sound. Fittingly, this track ("flickering") has got the sort of full-bodied gospel vocals we might expect of a 90's Maxwell, with the lush instrumentals of a modern day How To Dress Well. The lyrics are affecting and personal -- it’s almost as if Josiah's reaching out and stroking us in bed after a lover's argument. The backing electronics and strings rightfully accentuate a sense of idiosyncratic sadness thanks to producer The Haxan Cloak (who himself contributed to Björk's latest Vulnicura). Serpentwithfeet's releasing with Tri Angle Record. We look forward to more tear-inducing tunes.