Anawan – “One of Us is Dead” (audio) (Premiere)

Described as a “part avant-garde vocal ensemble and part wildly experimental pop group”, the Red Hook, Brooklyn-based Anawan (formerly TWVE) just recently announced the forthcoming release of its newest, self-titled LP. Combining intricate vocal harmonies with visceral and grabbing pop melodies, Anawan writes chamber music for a pop-centric generation. Below you can get a taste of the vocal experimentation that’s to come on Anawan in the form of “One of Us is Dead”.

The band says to PopMatters regarding the tune, “‘One of Us is Dead’ is our answer to late ’70s Fleetwood Mac, Doobie Brothers, or Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, with thick layered five part harmonies, a jammy nylon riff, and some major key psychedelic energy. The track carries the spiritual, mellow freedom of the rest of this album, but is more upbeat, in your face, and as close to an anthem as we would like. The lyrical content is inspired from working in the service industry in NYC, and how often we are faced with extreme self-absorption. This is a song about empathizing and respecting the inherent human value in the most annoying people, yet not caring too much about what they say and do.”

Anawan is out on November 18th via New Amsterdam. The group will host an album release show at Baby’s All Right on November 17th.

Watch a preview of Anawan below: