London-based alt-pop artist MOLTENO channels the lingering pull of a past relationship into “Daydream,” reflecting on connections that were ultimately unhealthy yet remain difficult to release. An accomplished performer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, she builds the track from analogue synths, arpeggiators, live and programmed drums, and synth strings, continuing her knack for merging electronic production with emotionally evocative songwriting.
The production consumes in casting a dream-like state in both its electronic tones and stirring lyricism. “Shrouded in sepia, rose-colored sunglasses, coloring in,” MOLTENO’s delivery envelops as glimmering synth pads and a steady arpeggio intertwine. Soft piano and heartrending strings bolster multi-layered harmonies as the “lost in a daydream” sequence arrives, where the “step into the haze, quiet surrender” line invokes the blissful yet paralyzing state of daydreams and retrospection, particularly in the realization of eroded past relationships.
The three-minute turn is particularly striking as the swell of serene layers and arpeggiated synth tones combines with the artist’s riveting performance, enhanced by spine-tingling wordless backing harmonies as the accounts of sinking “underground into the quicksand” persist. A beautiful production with chamber-pop and electronic sophistication, “Daydream” is an immersive standout from MOLTENO. The track represents the second single from her upcoming EP Element 3, marking the water chapter of her ambitious four-part elemental series.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
