Sebastiaan Dutilh and Belle Doron of CUT_ are readying the release of their debut album and we can already listen to the first single “Not Addicted To You”. Like their previous offering “It’s On“, it’s a sharp and thumping electro-pop track, with a metallic resonance. For the first time, the Amsterdam’s duo have decided to go a bit more personal with their lyrics. About this liberating new track, they explained:

[su_quote]Until now I’ve always wanted to refrain from autobiographical stories but I felt it was ready to show the world a different side to us. I went through a rough time, as we all do sometimes. Naturally the most intimate thoughts came out forming the core of the songs. It felt great to have such an outlet. I’ve always been touched when people come up to me and tell me that my music and words helped them. It’s one of the reasons I need to make music. By showing this vulnerable side I hope I can support people emotionally and show them they’re not alone.[/su_quote]

[su_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rtls-ztDCM”]

As Belle‘s whispery vocals make an enchanting entrance, trip-hop and electronic-pop quickly converge together. “It’s On” takes the best of both worlds, connecting the creative dots between the 90’s seminal trip-hop scene while still committing to CUT_‘s electro-pop roots. As a result, we hear echoes of the crepuscular ambient textures of post dub-step and trip-hop but also more current influences from Lorde in the vocals or Jamie XX production-wise.

Atop guitar licks and nocturnal synth arrangements, Belle reflects on an ending relationship that she doesn’t want to give up on explaining:

[su_quote]The essence of the song uncloaks in the chorus line “You make me wanna let you win”. Sacrificing something for your relationship even though it’s already too late, but you don’t want to accept it.[/su_quote]

While most Dutch enjoy camping in France, CUT_ escaped to the French Alpes for two weeks in a secluded cabin to create the new EP. Listening to “It’s On” doesn’t really take you to those breathtaking views. It’s more of a late-night introspective affair taking you on a night drive with the windows down going to some far-off destination beyond the headlights. It’s fair to say the fresh air and lack of WiFi put them in a very optimal creative mindset and we’re looking forward to hear the full result.

Catch them live in Brussels on May 16 at Ancienne Belgique and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.