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.
SIMILAR SONGS
