“I’ll wait until you have to go / I’ll make it so you never ever know / how much I have messed it up,” vocalist Olly Alexander opens with on “Take Shelter.” The bubbling, soulful song serves as the lead single on the newest EP of the same name from his snyth-pop group Years and Years.
“Do what you want tonight / it’s all right if you want to get used,” he suggests with a coo in the intoxicating hook. The words are delivered with tension in the subtext and sound like a desperate plea to a summer fling. Behind the lyrics is a tropical dancehall soundscape infused with a reggaeton influence. The trio wastes no time bringing in the primary electronic bass that carries through the song, dropping it in at the 10-second mark and making sure the synth pulses through the heart of the track to keep your foot tapping along.
By the way, this musical endeavor is Alexander’s second go at the arts. He’s also an established actor, landing roles in UK teen drama Skins, playing lead in Sundance darling God Help the Girl, and playing alongside Judi Dench in West End play Peter and Alice. Some guys have all the luck.
I am loving this song. The soulful sound reminds me of Liam Bailey – my favorite song by him is On My Mind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6zHZQBz9vI