Jordan Kleinman on May 9th, 2022

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Though listeners may recognize Dane Sandborg from his former rhythmic role in IRONTOM, or more recently, production and writing contributions to Foxtrails (as well as Little Dume and Rackets) the multi-instrumentalist and producer found his own sound in isolation during a time when all the world’s plans were put on hold. Working as Arroyo Low, he wrote his debut album, “2020,” in its titular year, as, like many artists, he was presented with a seemingly endless amount of time to access another side of his creativity.

The fruits of this time well-spent alone? “Windsor,” his airy and tranquil debut single, and now the follow-up, “Limousine (feat. Minoru)” which pairs with a shadowy, yet luminous music video (directed by Taylor Yamashiro.) The dark, yet laid-back track deftly ties Sandborg’s ethereal instrumental strengths with Minoru’s melancholy vocal style, delivering a song that somehow skates the lines of trip-hop revival, contemplative hip-hop and the paranormal, eliciting a novel yet familiar air for listeners.

The ethereal and introspective track evokes a feeling of reflection, particularly emanating between the notes of the haunting synth bassline and the strategically placed, low-pitched call and response vocals in the chorus.

Says Sandborg: “To me, the song is about duality of mind and the struggles we have with ourselves sometimes.” And featured artist Minoru adds, “‘Limousine’ is about how well I’ve gotten to know the devil on my shoulder, and how enticing it still is to act upon his demands, despite my better judgment.”

“2020” is out July 15 via Bodan Kuma.

||| Watch: The video for “Limousine” (feat. Minoru)

||| Also: Stream “Windsor”