Exclusive Song Premiere: ‘Tongues,’ Joywave (Feat. KOPPS)

ABOVE: JOYWAVE

The process behind Rochester based Joywave’s upcoming mixtape, 88888, is an intriguing exercise in self-improvement. Playing upon the idea that no creative project is ever truly finished, the group, led by frontman Daniel Armbruster, created a record that is not comprised of new material, but rather rethinks and reintroduces material from the band’s debut EP, Koda Vista. This idea is rooted not only in the dance and hip-hop tradition of the remix, but also in the paintings of Expressionist painter Edvard Munch, who famously remade the same painting several times, in order to best communicate with his audience.

The album’s first single “Tongues” (featuring Rochester DJ KOPPS) is a bedroom-eyed, bopping electronic romp. Armbruster’s voice is silky and thin, laid over beats that are at once bubbly and heavy, with soul-inspired horn interludes reminiscent of Britain’s Hot Chip. The effect is infectious—be forewarned that one listen to “Tongues” will scorch the hook into your brain for the rest of the day—and poppy, but still understated. We’re psyched to premiere it here.

JOYWAVE’S 88888 MIXTAPE IS OUT APRIL 15. FOR MORE ON THE BAND, VISIT ITS WEBSITE.