London-based duo Beat The Drum serves up a downtempo, nu-jazz-infused delight with new single “Try a little bit harder,” which was originally conceived at a faster tempo before shifting into a more subdued sophisti-pop allure. Anchored by moody piano, double bass, and muted trumpet, it builds into a driving rhythmic pulse centered on themes of perseverance and daily resilience.

Eerie, atmospheric strings and stately piano open the track with late-night atmospheric intrigue, evoking a post-work reflection as the “working harder” refrain hits. Warming brass then enters seamlessly, furthering an aesthetic that recalls the sophisti-pop moodiness of The Blue Nile. The jazzy piano work progresses with consistent elegance, as the lyricism laments growing debt while exuding a perseverant “try a little harder every day” ethos. The ensuing “getting stronger” lyrical declaration continues that aura of learning from past mistakes and pushing forward through tumult.

Rattling rhythmic precision infuses the second half, where accounts of steeper hills and title-touting drives meet jazzy guitar lines. Punchier “every day” vocalizations dazzle as brass and strings showcase a moody interplay, pushing into a vibrant rhythmic pulse as the final minute approaches. Hypnotic through its subdued yet melodic restraint, thematic perseverance, and sophisti-pop suaveness, “Try a little bit harder” is a stellar track from Beat The Drum.

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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup.

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