Australian duo Leopard Lake capture the duality of love on debut “Thinking of You,” a hazily raw electro-pop indulgence of numb emotion & hypnotic devotion.
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How fitting it is that the rose is the symbol for love: Like love, the rose is beautiful and majestic – an absolute marvel to behold. Like love, it is delicate and fragile, requiring attentive care. And just like love, the rose has thorns: It will hurt you if you’re not careful, leaving you exposed and in pain.
Australian duo Leopard Lake capture the mysterious duality of love on their debut single “Thinking of You,” a hazily raw electro-pop indulgence of numb emotion and hypnotic devotion.
I can see through solid things,
but the finest heart
Blinded me from side somehow
No choice but for leaving now
I’m never coming back again
“Thinking of You” – Leopard Lake
Atwood Magazine is proud to be premiering Leopard Lake’s intoxicating debut single “Thinking of You.” The collaboration between Perth producer Sam Ford (Pond, Abbe May) and vocalist Storm Wyness, Leopard Lake paint a warm wash of atmospheric electro-pop that is at once seductively subtle, and intimately intense.
Building up out of darkness into a lush, pulsing soundscape, “Thinking of You” recalls the heavier electronic/pop endeavors of California’s NoMBe and BRÅVES, London’s Thomston, Auckland’s MAALA, and Gold Coast’s own Amy Shark. Leopard Lake craft their own distinct moment, blending Wyness’ evocative vocals through hushed oohs and driving synths in such a way that dazzles the ear and provokes the mind.
Wyness herself describes “Thinking of You” as “a delusion of strength; the death of relationship and being in an altered state of recovery.” We can feel this detachment exposing itself in the repeated line, I’m not thinking of you. Again and again she protests: Yet she cannot help but succumb to herself.
No more for me
You would only let me down
No chance I’ll be hanging round
I’m never coming back again
I’m not thinking of you
Producer Sam Ford elaborates on Wyness’ statement: “‘Thinking of You’ was derived from the death of a relationship where there was this delusion of the love lasting forever,” he explains. “Musically, the song follows these themes with the juxtaposition lighter elements such as the strings and chorus vocals against the deep, dark percussion.”
Leopard Lake suck us deep into their wound, compelling us to face a dark chasm of complex confusion. Beyond the aforementioned disconnect between fantasy and reality is a desensitization, a numb warmth in which love and apathy intertwine. The narrator is lost in this toxic depth; all one can do is soldier on.
This is the kind of magic that makes for a memorable debut.
Mind plays tricks
Our love transfixed
On breathing out
I could never slow you down
Body’s limp, it’s over now
I’m never coming back again
Haunting and raw, magnetic and explosive, Leopard Lake’s “Thinking of You” is a transfixing introduction. Lose yourself in this promising new duo, exclusively on Atwood Magazine.
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