Every once in a while I find a new artist to add to my collection of music that makes my hour-long morning subway commute somewhat more bearable. It’s usually stuff that is soothing yet engaging, stuff that’s so good it can distract from the potent body odors and sickening fluorescent lighting of the Chicago El. Well, this is one of those pieces. “Away From Me,” the debut single from Danish newcomers CHINAH, is a low-fi pop ballad that completely draws you in, allowing you momentarily escape from the din of the outside world.
Joining the ever-growing ranks of artists identified as “bedroom pop,” this trio is very quickly on their way to joining veterans such as Wet and Kurt Vile in defining the genre. Fine, the lead singer of the band, has a voice that is hushed yet powerful, creating a narrative through melody rather than lyrics. The sporadic drumbeats and selective use of solo synths add even more texture to the track combining to form the end result: a song that you are going to listen to more than once. I promise.