Perfect debut pop singles might be the musical equivalent of Halley’s Comet: they’re extremely rare and unfortunately fleeting, streaking past blogs and SoundCloud pages like a bolt through the night sky. Consult your telescopes: “Catch” is the first single released by enigmatic L.A.-via-Toronto performer Allie X, and it shines with a level of polish and craft that’s remarkable given its lack of precedent.
Allie’s crystalline vocals are immediately reminiscent of the work of other synth-friendly female singers, like CHVRCHES’ Lauren Mayberry and Purity Ring’s Megan James, but “Crush” transcends that basic familiarity; it glows on the strength of its structure, attention to detail, and lyrics that’ll leave squeamish listeners scrubbing goosebumps from their arms. Don’t let that last bit keep you from hitting play: the chorus’ll be glowing in your head long after the dose of body horror fades.
