It's been just over a year since Will Butler announced his leaving Arcade Fire. Since that, Butler's teamed up with Sister Squares — sisters Julie Shore and Jenny Shore (also Butler's wife) along with Sara Dobbs and Miles Francis. Will Butler + Sister Squares started touring together a few years ago and are now creating music together in what seems to be a most convivial collaboration, judging by the two singles they've put out so far "Willows" and "Long Grass."
Bordering on synthpop, "Long Grass" sounds like Talking Heads and Arcade Fire made a beautiful little summer baby; it's a song rife with nostalgia, about wanting to linger in the blissful innocence of childhood. The picture painted of two children playing outside at dusk, dearly wishing the day would never end, is a feeling possibly everyone can relate to in one form or another. The very '80s mechanical drumbeat and synth are addictive to the ear, especially when paired with Butler's crisp but dramatic vocals, dramatically building throughout the song until he's practically yelling. All the elements together make for a song so fun, energetic and nostalgic, it's gotta be a contender for the song of the summer so far.
(Merge Records)Bordering on synthpop, "Long Grass" sounds like Talking Heads and Arcade Fire made a beautiful little summer baby; it's a song rife with nostalgia, about wanting to linger in the blissful innocence of childhood. The picture painted of two children playing outside at dusk, dearly wishing the day would never end, is a feeling possibly everyone can relate to in one form or another. The very '80s mechanical drumbeat and synth are addictive to the ear, especially when paired with Butler's crisp but dramatic vocals, dramatically building throughout the song until he's practically yelling. All the elements together make for a song so fun, energetic and nostalgic, it's gotta be a contender for the song of the summer so far.