It’s unlikely that the word “big” will be used to describe anything Tom Krell does under his How To Dress Well moniker. He’s far too deep in the world of whispered deliveries and fingersnaps for that. But compared to the ultra-spare and downbeat tracks that he made his name on, his latest single “What’s Up” might as well be the soundtrack at a Forever 21.
“What’s Up” is an uncharacteristically bright slice of pop music, with a new age-y, world music instrumentation that sounds like the hippest member of Johnny Clegg’s backing band snuck away to make free Bandcamp releases. It’s different! It’s happy! It’s good! Check it out up top.
In addition to the new single, HTDW announced his newest album Care and a world tour to support it. His first album since 2014’s What Is This Heart? will drop on September 23 via Domino, with the tour starting on the same day. For another taste of the new album, don’t miss his earlier single “Lost Youth/Lost You.”
And while you’re listening, maybe take a look back at his remembrance of Nina Simone from our In Memoriam feature on the late artist and the new wave of soul and R&B artists that her music inspired.
