The 80s happened over forty years ago, but the music and culture that came from it are still strong in our hearts, as made evident by the gorgeous new single by Brothertiger and Yvette Young titled ‘Torn Open’, that pays homage to the sounds and ideas that fuelled the late 80s and early 90s, flavoured with complex jazz harmony.

There are no fade-ins for ‘Torn Open’, the drum machine driving the song forward, the cheesy digital piano, and all the synth pads that give the song life immediately jump at your throat the moment you hit ‘play’. The illustrious feminine voice leading the first verse glides through the complex chord changes with an elegance and ease that’ll make even a jazz veteran blush. The male counterpart that follows, and eventually comes into harmony in the chorus, creates a contrast that makes this whole instrumentation even more dynamic. Speaking of which, the music never really plummets or soars higher than a chorus of this caliber would incite, but its consistency is quite remarkable from start to finish. It always manages to fiddle around the same level of energy, which, again, is so similar to the 80s anthem that inspired ‘Torn Open’. All the instruments feel digital here, a combination of synths, drum machines, and sound patches to emulate acoustic instruments such as a grand piano. The plucky bass is especially nostalgic in the song. All the instruments are put into a soupy reverb, the final touch to really achieve that authentic 80s sound.

‘Torn Open’ is a work of art – it grooves all the while bearing this ethereal feel thanks to the extremely nostalgic instrumentation and beautiful harmonies exercised by the two singers trading lines. The instruments used will bring a smile to your lips, sounding so perfect within the greater context. It’s a song that just can’t keep you in a your bad mood.

Author: Nicholas Gaudet

Music producer and writer from Dieppe, Canada.