Coma are Marius Bubat and Georg Conrad of Cologne. These two twenty-somethings were scooped up by Kompakt two years ago and have just released their second EP for the esteemed German label.
While their previous releases have typically fallen in the realm of restrained, down-beat electronica, Coma’s newest release, Famous, includes a track that, albeit still low key, has some serious crossover appeal. Hello, Pitchfork.
In “Raindrops,†the duo utilizes an acapella from Erlend Øye. Some may recognize the vocal from the Norwegian musician’s “Fine Day,†first featured on his memorable DJ-Kicks mix. The song is a take on Opus III’s “It’s a Fine Day,†a 1992 track by the UK house/techno outfit which was actually a cover of a 1983 single by Jane. That’s Jane Lancaster, the wife of British poet Edward Barton who first wrote the lyrics for the song as a poem while living in a decrepit, post-industrial Manchester of the early eighties.
Fast forwarding about 30 years, Bubat and Conrad build the track slowly under the sounds of a rain shower, some clicks and clacks, and a synth lead that is equal parts uplifting and melodic before dropping the kick…and then Erlend, drenched to the bone in reverb and delay.
It’s a fine day, people look in windows / They leave their houses just for a short while
They walk by the crowds / They look at the sky
Like a Sunday walk, the track doesn’t necessarily have destination. It meanders, letting us take it all in. Bliss ensues. “Raindrops†is simple and accessible. And just in time for spring.
Want more? Check out a recording of Coma’s live set at Berlin’s Panoramabar.
[soundcloud width=”100%” height=”81″ params=”” url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2984625″] Coma live @ Panoramabar by comalounge
Coma’s Famous EP can be purchased on vinyl here and digitally here.