The Danish producer Trentemøller has explored a broad spectrum of rock, pop, and electronic currents through the years, moving from glitchy textures, downtempo, and darkwave to dream-pop and synthwave. In recent times, his trajectory has taken him deeper into the shoegaze domain, culminating in a full commitment on the album’s lead single from his forthcoming record.
The album bearing his name is planned for a November arrival. “Terrified,” released today, unfolds as a hazy, dreamy swoon anchored in new wave underpinnings. The track is lifted by the velvety vocals of Jonas Bjerre of Mew, who also handled the video production. The overall effect evokes the height of M83’s best work, and that comparison isn’t unwelcome.
After finalizing the instrumental, I forwarded it to Jonas Bjerre accompanied by a handful of melodic sketches; he expanded on them and infused his own melodies.
Sometimes, I think when you dream of fearsome, unsettling scenarios, your mind is rehearsing possible outcomes—as if you’re processing disasters that may never occur.
Terrified may well be the most pop-oriented track on the LP. In its initial incarnation it leaned more toward shoegaze, but I wanted a crisper, clearer sound, less washed out. So I opted for synths that resemble human voices, carrying a bewitching, otherworldly feel.
Watch the “Terrified” video below.
TRACKLIST:
01 “Swerve”
02 “Terrified”
03 “Visceral”
04 “Johnny Boy”
05 “Halved”
06 “Your Love Walks Alone”
07 “To Mist”
08 “Coyote”
09 “Crash”
10 “White Hallways”
Trentemøller is out 11/13 on In My Room. Pre-order it here.
