Dance tracks may be a dime a dozen, but dance tracks that keep you coming back for their pure listenability rise to an entirely different level.
With synth effects older than Ms. Chela herself, and basic guitar riffs her little brother may have contributed, “Romanticize” isn’t a flashy dance track. Chela’s vocals come through with low-grade intensity, balancing well with her elementary musical backing. When it comes down to it, it’s the interplayed timing of each element that gives “Romanticize” its distinguished sound.
The lack of flash is epitomized in track’s video, which I appreciate more and more with each new view. A little choreography by the lone artist, one continuous shot, and a green screen featuring static and art courtesy of Microsoft Paint; the simplicity admittedly feels awkward at first. To fully appreciate it, you have to reframe your concept of a dance video away from a disciplined Beyoncé “Single Ladies” and replace it with the concept of a good friend at a wedding reception who you come to realize is a pretty decent dancer.
Chela’s debut EP, Romanticize, is brand new, released this past Monday.