As we approach Sophie Breton’s latest release, the crepuscular, dark-pop opal ‘Who Do I Call?’, we feel slight amusement when discovering the list of mood tags shipped with the record’s PR material. It’s certainly a functional idea: suggesting to reviewers and curators a ballpark vibe might increase the project’s chances of standing out in a rather crowded music landscape. Yet, we feel as though Breton might be selling herself short. We prefer to think about ‘Who Do I Call?’ as a proud and unique effort, a piece that stands on its own strengths and peculiar character. Indeed, the track is far from your ordinary alt-pop release.
Steeped in obscure, towering electro-pop beats, ‘Who Do I Call?’ develops with a certain gloominess and hypnotic charge. Its keen minimalism well fits Sophie’s understated vocals, their deep, round tone casting a shadowy overcast over the bass-leaning production. There’s no mainstream aura in sight: the single finds its perfect place in the DIY indie-pop scene, yet maintaining a relatable popular component thanks to Breton’s evocative and brooding songwriting. That’s what makes it relatable, ultimately.
Hailing from Quebec City, Canada, Breton also occasionally sings in her mother tongue, French, a feature that gives her songs a playful, elegant flair, at least from the perspective of an English-speaking listener. Framed into a series of thematic releases, many centred around interpersonal relationships and romantic endeavours, ‘Who Do I Call?’ anticipates a forthcoming album, one that is expected to advance the project’s world-building effort. Delving deeper into the song, Breton explains: “It’s about questioning who to call in your lonely hours.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Who Do I Call?’ now: