Building from their Home Alone EP, released late last year, Leeds band Van Houten are preparing a new double A-side single, and today share the first half of it, “IDK”. As suggested by the title, it’s a song about the confusion of life, as they explain:
“It’s about feeling stuck in some kind of cycle and reluctantly accepting the fact that you have no real control over what is next. I think this past year and the feelings felt around this really inspired the feeling of being at the mercy of the world around me and not the other way around.”
Despite the frustration of feeling stuck that is palpable in the lyricism, Van Houten ensure “IDK” is still a blissful listen, coasting on warped guitars and a breezy rhythm. This leaves plenty of space for personable pontification about the point of existence, reflections on life’s struggles, and questions about how one is supposed to carry oneself through this mass of confusion. Van Houten never get wound up or flustered, instead they remain amicably calm and just build up to a half-hearted shrug: “I don’t know.” This is then carried off by the band in a warm sweep of melody, their worries tucked away just as easily as they arose, allowing them to sail on through the sunshine on a beam of light.
Listen to “IDK” below or on streaming platforms.
“IDK” is available on 7″ through Flying Vinyl. You can find Van Houten on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
