Last year, an emerging group called Coco released the singles “One Time Villain” and “Last of the Loving”, but preferred to keep their identities anonymous. Today, they announce their self-titled debut album, which will be out on October 29, and reveal themselves to be Maia Friedman (of Dirty Projectors, Uni Ika Ai), Dan Molad (of Lucius, Chimney), and Oliver Hill (of Pavo Pavo, Dustrider) – so, no shortage of pedigree there.
Along with the album announcement, they’ve shared a new single called “Knots”, which initially came together in a file-sharing fashion, as they explain:
“Knots came together a bit differently than the other songs on this record. We all live in different cities and generally get together for a couple weeks at a time with a light no-preparation rule, so the writing can take place with us all in the same room, in a retreat mindset.
“But “Knots” began as a virtual collaboration – Danny wrote the chords and sent it to Maia to topline, borrowing from a pop or electronic music process. Then when the next retreat rolled around, the three of us collaborated on the lyrics and arrangement to bring it home. “Will you let me in your garden again” – with both music and lyrics, we went for a lush, baroque piece with a few twists and turns, calling up a memory of someone from the deep past, or perhaps a past version of oneself.”
The result is a Beach Boys-echoing song of longing that is bound to cause you pangs. Built on lilting piano lines and tender harmonies, “Knots” finds them entering a dream state where they recede back to a beautiful but lost love. For a moment, the memory is so vivid that they can’t hide their desire to return there: “All of our yesterdays are gone / Ah, will you let me in your garden again?” They fixate on the details like the titular “Knots” in her hair and can’t help but overflow with emotion as they sing “I loved her before I loved her” – a heart-rending beauty.
The video for “Knots” shows the trio in a remote cabin, living, laughing and making music together. It’s quite a joy.
Coco’s self-titled album will be out on October 29 through First City Artists (via AWAL). You can find them on Facebook and Instagram.
