Jamie xx – “Far Nearer” & “Beat For”
This past winter I was on a Jamie xx binge. I specifically remember rushing to a computer to post “Far Nearer” when the first radio-rip debuted, and a few weeks later I became obsessed with We’re New Here, a collaboration alongside the late, great Gil Scott-Heron. Well, today my fascination saw its rebirth with the official release of “Far Nearer”, and an addition track, “Beat For”.
After a gradual melodic intro, “Far Nearer” bursts with steel-drums and a bubbly sounds fit for a day on the beach. “I feel better when I have you near me,” repeats under the bright euphoria created is this first track. The second, “Beat For”, shares only a long melodic intro with “Far Nearer”, as it is a much heavier song. Bangs, bubbles, drops, synths, and highly distorted samples come together in this moody bass filled Jamie xx creation.