CHVRCHES are prepping for their follow-up album to the critically acclaimed The Bones Of What You Believe. The second released track from forthcoming album Every Open Eye, is “Leave A Trace”. Known for their impeccable synthpop sound, the voice of lead singer Lauren Mayberry helped thrust them into the limelight.
Four Tet, Kieran Hebden, has a penchant for this type of voice as he has sampled Ellie Goulding multiple times in the past.
Four Tet expertly capitalizes on CHVRCHES vocal strengths by creating a crescendo guided by the theme from the lyrics “I need to feel release”.
While the original version of “Leave A Trace” is arena ready, Four Tet strips away all of the up-front gall to instead build on the theme of “feeling”; what it means to release.
Typical with the UK DJ, he gradually builds up the track and in this case, he starts from the most unusual introduction of low quality metal sounds clanging over a house 4 to the floor beat.
A warm arpeggio lifts the sonic sound at the 30 second mark that changes the overall tone of the piece into something brighter.
At the 1:15 mark, Four Tet embraces you gently with warm synths as he’s getting you ready for the climax.
The next minute builds up for the 2:35 mark where Laura Mayberry’s voice declares “I know, I need, to feel, release”. It’s here everything comes together. Since the idea of “release” is the main focus of the remix, when he reaches the climax you can’t help but relax, exhale, and go “I get it” with a warm smile.
Everything folds into itself during the 4th minute as it rapidly cascades over itself, washing itself in the emotion of “releasing”. It’s only then, Four Tet drops the groove at the 5 minute mark to surrender yourself into dancing.
As with many DJ’s, the joy of a mix lies in taking the audience through a journey that they never thought they would enjoy, but somehow find themselves giving in to their direction/idea.
Listen to Four Tet’s remix of CHVRCHES “Leave A Trace” below.
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