Following a couple of early singles, London-based act XVOTO have revealed that they’ll be releasing a self-titled EP on June 4 through One Two Many. The duo of Spanish-born Jazz Alonso and HMLTD member Saigon Fury have also shared a new single called “Friends”, saying:
“[It’s about] the people who have irreversibly changed you and then having to pretend you’re unphased by them when you’re in the same room. Meanwhile you’re trying to work out what your new boundaries are: can you talk about the past? Can you cry together? Can you show how much pain you’re in around them? “If you fish me, I’ll play dead” means: if you make a move, I’ll pretend I’m dead inside and don’t want you back.”
Considering XVOTO started when Alonso heedlessly approached Saigon in a McDonald’s, it’s strange to think that she could be so twisted and conflicted inside at seeing someone across the room, but this is just how deeply and passionately she feels in her relationships. “Friends” begins with spare synth chords while her memories come pouring out of her like a waterfall; “no one brought me down to earth like you did when you dug me / no one ever made me feel like flesh and bone until you tripped me.” Following these thoughts, she soon builds up a head of steam, anger even – “I don’t deserve this” she repeats as the synths start to layer and curdle. “Friends” then briefly transforms into a piano ballad, before morphing once more and becoming bass-popping funky R&B, where Alonso collects herself and re-builds her confidence. Now fully cool and in command she realises it’s useless looking back, and she’s only headed forward, to a happier place, cutting down lingering feelings and memories with her sharp tongue as she goes.
XVOTO’s self-titled EP comes out on June 4 through One Two Many. You can find XVOTO on Instagram.
