We’ve long known that Ezra Koenig has a way with words. The Columbia grad and Vampire Weekend frontman spits crafty rhymes like it’s his day job (OK I guess it is his job). But basically it means a lot to say that “New Dorp. New York” may be his best yet.
BUT ENOUGH, let’s focus on the true master behind “New Dorp. New York”—British producer Aaron Jerome, better known as SBTRKT. Returning with his first official track since his 2011 breakthrough LP, SBTRKT, James is back with a monster of a song.
“New Dorp. New York” is perhaps the most arresting single since Wild Beasts’ dropped “Wanderlust” on us in January. James and Koenig weave from one slinky groove to another, dabbling in funk, industrial techno and… like… sci-fi I guess? It’s a tough song to penetrate but one thing is certain: you’ll want to play it again, and again. Much of the track’s allure lies in Koenig’s lyrics. He spits a series of non sequitors and allusions (“gargoyles gargling oil” and “baseball bats that never hit home runs” strike particularly hard), but by the end of the track Koenig has painted a masterful portrait of New York in all its mystery, grandeur, and grime.
“New Dorp. New York” is two masters of their craft pushing one another, advancing the musical conversation. Seldom have SBTRKT or Ezra Koenig sounded this exciting.
SBTRKT’s second LP, Wonder Where We Land, is out in September.