We were already aware of the quality and class behind Arliston’s talent. But we weren’t expecting their latest effort to be THAT good. Aptly-titled ‘What Did I Think Would Happen’, the single is incredibly expansive and nuanced, a nugget of cathartic fit into a poignant, ethereal livery.
Introduced by VHS’style hums and clicks, the record instils nostalgia and softness to any keen listener, with a slow-tempo, layered arrangement gradually blooming into cinematic goodness. Crowning it all, we find Arliston’s evocative vocals, delivered with a certain Bon Iver-esque flair. The British pair’s charisma is undeniable: hailing from London, they have been steadily rising through the music scene, hypnotising curators, tastemakers and ordinary listeners alike (a quick glimpse at their Spotify profile will confirm it).
‘What Did I Think Would Happen’ anticipates Arliston’s upcoming LP, ‘Disappointment Machine’, expected for January 2025. Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, the group explained: “This song is an exercise in restraint, we tried adding lots of production, some of which stayed in as resampled. It was about finding the balance. It’s such an intimate song that we didn’t want to break that spell too frivolously.”
Recommended! Discover ‘What Did I Think Would Happen’ on Spotify and YouTube: