Another year, another Sean Nicholas Savage album. With the announcement of his new record, Other Death, due September 18 on Arbutus Records, comes the release of its lead single, “Casablanca.” A true pop song, “Casablanca” puts Savage’s tender vocals on full display, half-whispering and half-singing about a short, passionate relationship. This ethereal, gossamer storytelling is framed by a shimmering, R&B-tinged electronic beat. Airy and breezy, “Casablanca” is a sharp departure from 2014’s heavier, more serious Bermuda Waterfall. This new blissful single shows another side of the many-faced pop omnivore also responsible for 2013’s often sad Other Life, the album to which Other Deathis a nod.
Despite the foreboding title, Other Death promises to be more upbeat, pop-oriented, and cleanly produced than many of Sean Nicholas Savage’s prior releases. An integral staple of the now-famous Montreal scene hatched around Lab Synthèse, Sean made his upcoming record a group effort. Other Death was recorded in California with a number of Montreal fixtures: Agor of Blue Hawaii, Airick Woodhead of Doldrums, and Jane Penny and David Carriere of TOPS all contributed. If “Casablanca” is any indication, expect Other Death to be a bubbly pop record as viewed through the strange kaleidoscope of Savage and his collaborators.
Other Death is out September 18 on Arbutus Records. You can stream “Casablanca” below.
