Stream: T.O.L.D., ‘Master of the Species’

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T.O.L.D.
T.O.L.D.

As humans, we can do. Or not do. Singer-songwriter Dan Smith, the L.A.-based Englishman doing business under the name T.O.L.D. (The Order of Life and Death), advocates for the latter in his new single “Master of the Species.” Smith invokes the Tao principle of Wu Wei — the concept that all our actions should effortlessly align with our environment — and there is nothing but futility (and a “grey-blue heart”) in “struggling to be the master of the species.” The lush, orchestral track, backed by a gospel choir, is the third jaw-dropper to emerge from T.O.L.D.’s debut album, “It’s Not About the Witches.” Produced by Tom Biller and mixed by Peter Katis, the album is out June 17 via IAMSOUND Records. It doesn’t quite sound effortless, but Smith is tackling big ideas along with his big sound. “Learn to be alone,” he sings, separating himself from so much pop noise.

||| Stream: “Master of the Species”

||| Live: T.O.L.D. plays Thursday at the Echo along with Humans and Vox.

||| Previously: “Return Forever,” “There’s No Truth”