Fresh off a run of improvised projects, Chicago-based band Curls Ultra have returned with a soaring new song, “Vegas (Mandalay Bay).”

The track delves into a blissful, earnest ode to a partnership, complete with the band’s signature experimental instrumentals.

Their MKCurls series, three volumes of fully improvised tracks, largely dominated their discography in the last year. While the group created every song “on the fly,” each track showcases their musical genius. Their latest single, “Vegas (Mandalay Bay),” showcases everything fans love about Curls Ultra, from electric guitar solos to brass interludes to theremin features.

“Vegas (Mandalay Bay)” serves as the lead single to their debut album, American Blood, out June 26 via Truth Zone Records.

American Blood - Curls Ultra — American Blood – Curls Ultra

Unlike their improvisational works, “Vegas (Mandalay Bay)” envelopes listeners with lead singer Mick Fansler’s vocals. A soft percussion from drummer Steve Plock and acoustic guitar from Dove Hollis guide Fansler’s voice through the opening verse, which delves into lyrics detailing an offer to “leave it all behind for you.”

The chorus begins: “We could ruin our lives together. / We could ruin our lives tonight.” Hollis provides the harmony, their voices blending effortlessly to create a sense of yearning that listeners feel empathetic towards, rather than sympathetic.

About two minutes into the song, Eric Novak introduced keys. While each member of Curls Ultra wears many hats, Novak’s ability to transcend both the piano and synth shines as the second verse begins. The otherworldly sound of the theremin comes in shortly after. The band’s resident theremin player, SJOD, elevates the track with a novelty sound, creating a sentimental harmony with Novak’s piano.

The lyrics become more universal than individualized, discussing a need for “meaning” without “hurting everyone you’ve ever known.” The track provides a somber sense of comfort, centering the lyrics back on the individual as the chorus returns with elevated percussion, synth, and theremin.

Much like their MKCurls series, the band’s instrumental capabilities take over halfway through the track. For about three of the nine minutes, a wondrous blend of the psychedelic rock sounds Curls Ultra are known for comes together. Although there are no vocals in the section, the emotional foundation of the song still sits with listeners on their journey.

The “Vegas (Mandalay Bay)” chorus returns, Fansler’s vocals more urgent than before. The track fades with the quiet hum of Fansler and Hollis’ harmony, alongside the novelty, futuristic sounds of the theremin and synth.

Music Is a Means of Community for Curls Ultra

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Vegas (Mandalay Bay) - Curls Ultra — Vegas (Mandalay Bay) – Curls Ultra

Curls Ultra celebrate human connection in their artistic work, from the music itself to their community events.

On the surface, “Vegas (Mandalay Bay)” is a song about love and yearning, but at its core, it is a vessel for connection when words fail to communicate.

“Vegas (Mandalay Bay)” is out now, with their debut studio album American Blood out on June 26. See them on tour here.

Stay up to date with Curls Ultra on Instagram and Twitter, as well as Truth Zone Records on Instagram and Twitter.

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