Chicago indie pop band Dehd tease their upcoming fifth album ‘Poetry’ with “Alien,” a subtle, restrained, and emotionally complex song that unveils another shade to the trio’s sound pallet.
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Stream: “Alien” – Dehd
I came across Chicago-based band, Dehd, through Instagram’s explore page.
The song playing was “Bad Love,” and I found myself entirely captivated by Emily Kempf’s fiercely distinctive voice. For me, it was an infectious cocktail of indie, pop, and punk sensibility.
Of course I dug as deep as I could into their catalogue and discovered little I did not love.
What perfect timing this introduction proved to be, then, when suddenly Dehd began dropping fresh material from their upcoming album, Poetry – due to land May 10 via Fat Possum Records.
I eagerly tucked into the first single, “Mood Ring.” It was just as sparklingly catchy as what I’d heard from the previous albums, with Kempf’s voice sounding better than ever. The second single, “Light On,” sung by guitarist Jason Balla, had that characteristic smoulder of a future indie classic.
Then came their latest drop, “Alien,” released April 10. On this occasion I will break the habit of a lifetime and be terse: I simply didn’t like it… At least not at first.
I didn’t find it as instantly infectious as Poetry’s preceding cuts. In fact, it didn’t really feel like a single at all; more an album filler. And one that betrayed the sound they had carved out for themselves.
But for the love of music, I persevered, and after a several listens I began to respect the vision. This release, in fact, is a clever strategic move. Dehd is saying to fans: “Look! Here’s what else we can do…”
I’m from another world
I’m not a normal girl
I’m just a pattern of shadow under pale sun
I’m like a lighthouse
Bright and casting out
Light across the waves
Somewhere someday someone’s just for me
Hope this love can take me higher
(Hold my head, hurt me harder)
I’ve been watching, catching fire
(Love can’t win if there’s no power)
Hope this love can take me higher
(Hold my head, hurt me harder)
I’ve been watching, catching fire
(Love can’t win if there’s no power)
And the song does deliver on that front. It unveils another shade to the trio’s sound pallet – one that is subtle, restrained, and emotionally complex.
The unison vocals which characterise the song, for instance, initially turned me off. I saw them as “a bit Live 8.” But Now, they are my favourite part. I appreciate them as a stylistic choice – not dissimilar to the disorienting vocals on Panda Bear’s Boys Latin. The sound of Kempf and Balla’s voices together is definitely a unique selling point for Dehd, if not a marmite moment.
On further listens I noticed the electric guitar licks delicately introduced by Balla in the second verse. They dance in the background and harmonise wonderfully with the hook. The sound is reminiscent of the strawberry swing loop, from Coldplay. The bass, as ever, is tasty and smooth as Nutella in the morning. It sits on a crunchy slice of slack-skinned cans, with the odd rim shot popping out for good measure. Yes, producer, Ziyad Asrar, should be commended here for restraint and balance.
You are the candlelight
Flickering in and out
Yeah, the space between
Wick and flame, what will it take?
I’m in another world
Flowering underfoot
Mirror in my hand
Light reflecting sweetly
Overall, this single is not profoundly original, but it is distinctly Dehd. It’s pretty on the ear and gives a glimpse of the broader subtleties we can look forward to on the band’s forthcoming fifth LP.
Moving into 2024, Dehd are looking in good shape. They are leading the soft flame of indie pop forward, in the same way Her’s were in the UK, before their tragic deaths in 2019. If Dehd can deliver on the 10th May (and beyond) they may be in the running for spearheading a new wave of indie – much like Mac did for pitchy bedroom rock in the mid-2010s.
With a tour booked in this year – running through Europe and the US – catch Dehd in the small venues wherever you are while you still can.
I give up on everything (Power)
Turns out who I need is me (Power)
I give up on everything (Power)
Turns out who I need
Hope this love can take me higher
(Hold my head, hurt me harder)
I’ve been watching, catching fire
(Love can’t win if there’s no power)
Hope this love can take me higher
(Hold my head, hurt me harder)
I’ve been watching, catching fire
(Love can’t win if there’s no power)
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:: stream/purchase “Alien” here ::
:: stream/purchase Poetry here ::
:: connect with Dehd here ::
Stream: “Alien” – Dehd
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