A gorgeous track from Levi Taschuk, “Benefit of the Doubt” moves seamlessly from eerily enthralling vocal work to moody brass and piano orchestration, maintaining a strong atmospheric hold that stretches from late-night introspection to more ominous chilliness. The title-bearing refrain renders a haunting, ghostly soundscape as riveting saxophone and melancholic strings coexist with a stunning vocal presence. The woozy, dynamic sound bears a lovely likeness to Plush’s Fed era, Wild Beasts, and Patrick Watson, embracing a darkly impactful atmosphere and heartfelt vocal performance within arrangements that alternate between spine-tingling piano work and orchestral mystique.
The track is described as exploring “a sense of doubt about the projections and facsimiles that people put forth, especially by those who one is closest with like family.” The release comes via Taschuk’s forthcoming, debut LP, which I’m thoroughly anticipating. “Benefit of the Doubt” is a striking success from Levi Taschuk, who is based in Salmon Arm, BC. “This lead single conveys a sense of doubt about the projections and facsimiles that people put forth, especially by those who one is closest with like family,” Levi says. “Its themes are universal – parents and growing up.”
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
