Monday 9 January 2012

Gotye feat Kimbra - Somebody That I Used To Know


Is this the most beautiful chorus of the year so far?

Somebody That I Used To Know is the latest single from Belgian-Australian Wouter "Wally" De Backer, aka Gotye. It follows his previous album 'Like Drawing Blood' and precedes 'Making Mirrors' released next month. It also features Kimbra, a singer-songwriter from New Zealand who's solo work is well worth checking out.

It opens with a xylophone melody, strangely similar to Baa Baa Black Sheep.  Yet the song's simplicity belies its emotional core - the heart wrenching chorus soars, masked by childish playfulness.  "I don't even need your love but you treat me like a stranger and it feels so rough...now you're just somebody that I used to know" - the words erupt from De Backer after the restrained, hushed verse and are complimented beautifully by Kimbra's reply.  From that xylophone, the production delicately builds with the subtle injection of musical colours that mirrors the vocal journey.  It's a slow burner, but the honesty of the lyrics will draw you in and wrestle with your heartstrings.

Storytelling, lyrics and music at their best.

5/5

Listen: Somebody That I Used To Know is available now.  The album 'Making Mirrors' is released on 13th February.  Kimbra's EP 'Settle Down' will hopefully be available in the UK this year.

Watch: Gotye is on tour throughout early 2012, including London on February 29th.