BLUE FOUNDATION release bittersweet dream-pop gem "Close To The Knife"
“Close to the Knife”, the first single to be unveiled from Blue Foundation’s upcoming new album is a dreamy duet written by Tobias Wilner and Bo Rande, performed by Helena Gao and Tobias Wilner. The song tells a bittersweet story of love, longing, and a connection that can never fully materialize. The person always disappears in dreams, leaving a sense of unattainability. The lyrics of the track unfold this unfulfilled love through poetic imagery. In the chorus, Helena repeatedly sings “There is no one but you. It was only us two,” with a haunting intensity that sets the tone for the entire track. Tobias’ verses emphasize a gentle yearning as he describes flowers blooming on the plains and her carefree dancing in the rain—but only in dreams.
“Close to the Knife” is a blend of shoegaze, dream pop, and psychedelic sounds which enhances the song’s themes of longing and nostalgia. With reverb-drenched guitars and floating soundscapes, the melancholy of the lyrics is mirrored in the music. Helena Gao and Tobias Wilner together convey a portrait of love that is beautiful yet never fully real.
The video for “Close to the Knife’ is an evocative visual journey which beautifully complements the track’s themes of love, longing, and unattainable connection. With stunning cinematography by Hannah Bertram and Erma Feng, the video showcases parallel stories of yearning. Tobias Wilner wanders through the nocturnal streets of New York City, while Helena Gao explores the vibrant yet isolating alleys of Shanghai. Bo Rande makes a compelling appearance, further enriching the haunting atmosphere of the piece.
Founded in 2000 by Danish singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Tobias Wilner, the group was inspired by Mark E. Smith's method of forming a band (The Fall), with Wilner recruiting a rotating lineup of traditional musicians over the years to fuel creativity. Since 2010, the core members of the band have been Tobias Wilner and Bo Rande, working between Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and Copenhagen, Denmark.
Blue Foundation is renowned for their distinctive fusion of electronic music and dream pop. Drawing inspiration from the ethereal nature of dream pop and a moody, introspective atmosphere, the band creates immersive soundscapes characterized by emotive vocals and intricate production. Their music often evokes a sense of melancholy and reflection, resonating with listeners who appreciate ambient, emotive melodies and introspective themes.
The band has released several well-received albums, including "Life of a Ghost", "In My Mind I Am Free" and “Blood Moon”. These albums showcase their signature style and have cemented their reputation in the indie music scene. They have collaborated with a range of artists and producers, enriching their sound and expanding their reach within the music industry. Collaborators include Jonas Bjerre (Mew), Erika Spring (Au Revoir Simone), Findlay Brown, DJ Krush, Sara Savery, and Wang Wen.
Blue Foundation's music has been featured in various popular films, such as Michael Mann’s "Miami Vice," and TV shows like "The Vampire Diaries." Their song "Eyes on Fire" gained significant fame after being included in the soundtrack of the movie "Twilight." Blue Foundation is sampled by Lil Durk featuring French Montana on his track "Fly High" and Young Thug's song "She Noticed." They co-wrote the song “Taurus” for Machine Gun Kelly.
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