“Count Me Out” by Chiiild, an ethereal exploration of a person just trying to be their best self, takes us on a cosmic commute into into the psyche of a fighter.
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Stream: “Count Me Out” – Chiiild
From the moment the strings open the track, it’s clear Montreal-based band Chiiild aren’t going to be defined by any one genre- Instead they’re going to create their own. Psychedelic R&B? Electronic Motown? They prefer to call it Synthetic Soul.
“Count Me Out” (released 31 July) is a cosmic commute into the psyche of a fighter, an ethereal exploration of a person just trying to be their best self. Lacking in specifics, there’s a universality to the emotions that easily makes it your new anthem.
Musically, it dances between multiple styles without ever been jarring- a testament to the smoothness of voice and the musicianship. It’s equal parts the soulful vocals of D’Angelo, with the swagger (and Wah pedal) of Hendrix and the psychedelic beats of Tame Impala. What holds all this genre-shifting together? The excellent production, although this shouldn’t come as a surprise as Chiiild already have collaborations with Jack Ü (the moniker Skrillex and Diplo collaborate under) on their grammy-winning album as well as with Usher, Jacob Banks, Allie X and more. It’s a slouchy, louche soundscape slippery as latex and slick high-shine lipgloss.
The lyrics paint the image of someone refusing to lie down. The production really shines on these verses, with the words so distorted that they blend into the background like someone fighting for relevancy in a crowd of dissenting voices.
Head underground, got work to do
And I know in my soul, that I’m on to something good I’m in repair, looking for truth
And I’ll find my footing soon
Pave a road that leads to you
One thing that keeps this track from relegating itself with so many other talented genre-defiers to the can’t-define-won’t-listen pile is its simplicity.The constant drum beat, the reliable rhythm of the falsetto highs, and the recurring pleading hook of the chorus creates a comfortable backdrop for the music to head off in all different directions. That foundation is key to making this song a constant ear worm.
The defiance of the second verse, and the repetition of the line ‘Don’t count me out, cuz I’ll come back (swingin, swingin)’ is palpable, creating goosebump moments. It’s what we’ve all wanted to rise up and scream at some point, but Chiiild instead deliver it with a nonchalant fuck you. The understated delivery only heightens the message.
Try put me down from where I’m at
I’m up now, you still know the way to
Put me on the ground, don’t make me snap
But I don’t need your faith, I don’t need nothing
You won’t see me frown, the fuck is that
And all I ever did was dodge the punches
You’ll look like a clown when I come back
Rare is a debut song so polished and so catchy that it leaves you biting your lip for the next release. “Count Me Out” not only ticks those boxes, but also presents an artist who’ll make nihilism your religion.
Stream: “Count Me Out” – Chiiild
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:: Chiiild Tour Dates ::
opening for Emotional Oranges
9/14 — Vancouver, BC — Vogue Theatre
9/15 — Seattle, WA — The Crocodile
9/17 — Portland, OR — Hawthorne Theatre
9/19 — San Francisco, CA — The Regency Ballroom
9/21 — Los Angeles, CA — Fonda Theatre
9/24 — Houston, TX — The Studio at Warehouse Live
9/25 — Dallas, TX — Trees
9/27 — Atlanta, GA — The Loft
9/30 — New York, NY — Brooklyn Steel
10/1 — Philadelphia, PA — Theatre of Living Arts
10/2 — Toronto, ON — Phoenix Concert Theatre
10/4 — Detroit, MI — Magic Stick
10/5 — Chicago, IL — Metro
10/7 — Boulder, CO — Fox Theatre
10/9 — Salt Lake City, UT — Metro Music Hall
10/11 — Santa Ana, CA — Yost Theater
