Critically-acclaimed UK rockers Pale Waves have released their new single and video “Perfume,” from their upcoming studio album Smitten, scheduled for release September 20. The confessional, sapphic, 1980s-leaning lead single about being totally enamored with a person premiered as BBC Radio 1’s Hottest Record earlier today. Heather Baron-Gracie (screen capture) Reminiscent of bands like The Cure and The Cranberries, the dreamy, official music video that finds the band in a hazy, lovestruck fairytale. “’Perfume’ is the perfect introduction into the new world we’ve created,” shares lead singer Heather. “It’s queer, feminine, and romantic, and it encapsulates the essence of ‘Smitten.’” https://youtu.be/7–oXexEuaI?si=F_tW0qwam0bXmK-D Full of catchy hooks and a fresh, alt-pop sound, Smitten captures the excitement and euphoria as well as the confusion and pain of early queer relationships. Lyrically preoccupied with past lives, the collection unfolds as though Heather is pouring through the pages of a long-forgotten teenage diary and being surprised by what she finds. “I found myself writing about not just a certain time period, but my whole life, from years ago,” Heather adds. “When I fall in love, I fall deep, and it’s interesting to me that you can feel so fascinated and smitten with someone, and then they can become a total stranger.”
While encouraging inclusivity and self-acceptance across their discography, the band has received international acclaim from Pitchfork, Vanity Fair, Billboard, NPR, Wall Street Journal, Buzzfeed, The FADER, AV Club, Vulture, Consequence, Stereogum, Alternative Press, NYLON, and more. Pre-order Smitten here and follow the band on the Gram of Insta here. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8FbKykt65X/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CPoL2GBhNlg/
