This past spring, Brooklyn duo The Bright Smoke released their sophomore LP ‘Terrible Towns.’ Upon listening to the ominous, beat-stuttered opener “Hard Pander” and the church bell wistaria of second song “Like Video” (streaming below), we wereinstantly intrigued and quickly hooked. Band founder Mia Wilson’s brusque yet sonorous timbre pleasantly recalls both Portishead’s Beth Gibbons and Florence and the Machine’s titular singer while her lyrics strike of their own sharp beauty. “I don’t wear the sun so well these days/So never mind,” she sings on “Hard Pander,” displaying songwriting that is simultaneously elegant and moving. The Bright Smoke plays at The Mercury Lounge tonight (7/25). – Zach Weg
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best mellow songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!