Houg / Don Aaron : Department of Loved
Credit: Sameh Wabha
Chillwave maestro Houg links up with ’80’s vapourware connoisseur Don Aaron for a nostalgic throwback in the form of “Department of Loved” – a reverent homage to Tears for Fears’ seminal 1985 album Songs from the Big Chair (even down to its faithful accompanying photoshoot and cover art). The duo duets about accepting lost friendships over groovy bass lines and retro reverb-drenched drums, before it segues into a searing sax solo, blending the sensual strengths of both artists to a tee.
“Department of Loved” is fifth and final single for Houg’s upcoming album, The Biting Tempo, which is set to drop 4 March. The duet follows a string of all-collaborative singles: “Metro (4:35)”, “Excuse Me (What’s the Time?)”, “Jarr”, and “7 Ain’t Home”, Houg’s most recent track with Japanese producer VIDEOTAPEMUSIC.
The Singaporean tripwaver will also be having a one night only album release show on 12 March 2022, 7pm at The Projector. The phantom of the chillzone and his band will take audiences on a groovy yet heartfelt journey of desperation, decay, and acceptance augmented by spellbinding visuals. Tickets are going for $25 apiece, and you can buy them here (more tickets may become available over time depending on Singapore’s evolving evolving COVID-19 restrictions).
Follow Houg on Instagram, and listen to “Department of Loved” below: