Drink in the new track from Flowers of Evil and Nikki & The Waves.
A duet essentially lives or dies on the strength of the chemistry between the two featured artists. Oscar Puente's vocals lies somewhere between a 'gay Jarvis Cocker' and Damon Albarn, conversationally complementing collaborator Nikki & The Waves. Since forming in 2020, Flowers Of Evil have joined forces with members of the queer community and beyond. Here, the LGBTQ+ art poppers offer a playfully depressing number in one of the best new songs of 2022.
'Cherry-AID' opens with a casual shuffle, introducing the guitar line over a warm bed of synths. Puente wastes no time, delivering a suitably self-deprecating "this is just what happens every time I think I'm okay," that sets the tone for the rest of the song. As Nikki joins in, the harmonies simple but engaging, that chemistry is obvious. The sheer individuality allows for vocal contrast and yet the two play off each other brilliantly. Nikki's voice slightly more present in the mix when it arrives, her relaxed but sweet delivery is really addictive - especially when replying to Puente's lyrics.
Spacey synths, playful horns and little guitar lines all come and go, never muddying the song and allowing the main attraction of the two singers to take centre stage, despite their low-key styles. It never really tries too hard to be anything it isn't. There's humour in that brilliantly British way; waking up 'feeling like a Coldplay song' is about as depressing as it gets, really, and yet it's delivered with self-aware wit.
The production is super crisp and clear, letting each element have its moment while not feeling sonically overcrowded, even with layers of synthesisers and guitars. There's space in there for groups of vocal harmonies, the drums crescendo-ing in places before resolving back to the softer groove. It just feels fun. The decision to leave some of the studio noise in there at time ("I love it because it sounds so American!" after a line from Nikki) adds to that. In places, you can hear ad-libbed lines either side of the soundscape.
Even more impressive is that it's entirely self-produced, made in FOE's Phia Sky's flat. The wonders of home production never cease.
We were very excited when Flowers Of Evil sent the track our way. The group are a breath of fresh air, championing the music in the queer community and adding a cheeky romantic flavour to the Manchester scene. Nikki & The Waves is an outstanding addition, too. We'd describe it as a mix of Easy Life, Blur and Suede, and honestly can't really find any faults.
Listen to Cherry-AID. It's a healthy breakfast for a broken heart.
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Spotify: Flowers Of Evil, Nikki & The Waves
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