Feature | Frames | Reminder #1
FRAMES wasted no time winning me over. I encountered their latest single “reminder #1” while biking home, immediately captured in my own dreamy music video riding downhill as the city lights started to blink on. On a comfy chair with superior headphones (and no windchill), I could better enjoy the details while listening again and again. From the perfectly matched vocals to the unique textured instrumentation, this eclectic duo leaves listeners with a whole lot of vibes, and lot to look forward to.
“reminder #1” clocks in at almost two and a half minutes and gets straight into a flow with both style and substance. The track dives right in with bright chords against a steady faded beat and washy bassline, a combination that gets your head bobbing instantly. It’s faintly nostalgic and almost delightfully predictable; a tune cool enough for the dinner party, or the after-after-party. Another mellow neo-soul/R&B lookalike? But no, after a lingering few seconds what immediately stamps this song with its own special glow is the stunning voices of Joelle Fenner and Quentin Voulzy. Mix smooth and lamenting with deep and husky, plus the whispery overtones and textured ASMR-like soundscape…chef’s kiss. The song continues to unfold with poetic lyrics of tenderness and honesty, meeting the music with a relatable vulnerability as suggested in its title.
We don’t know much about FRAMES besides the basics. Fenner and Voulzy come from different backgrounds and influences, drawn together by a serendipitous university project. They write from real experience, continuing to discover and understand their musicality through their differences. Maybe that intentionality is the reason for only two singles so far? Not for long. This year promises a lineup of releases; can we expect more singles or a full album? Whatever it is, I trust them completely. Despite their mixed styles, voices, and mysterious backgrounds, it’s rare and exciting to hear a duo with this strong a sound. I think FRAMES knows exactly what they’re doing. And I’m loving it.