Perfume Genius’ music is always cinematic in scope. But “Slip Away” makes you want to get outside and run for hours, to celebrate the joys of life. The first single from his latest album, No Shape, starts with a pulsing, ominous rhythm. Mike Hadreas’ voice comes in, sensual, soulful and epic. Then the music explodes with the force of a supernova. The instrumentation swirls together 1980’s Kate Bush, Bruce Springsteen, modern pop and krautrock. This isn’t a song to play in stadiums. This is a song that levels stadiums.
“They’ll never break the shape we take,” he sings confidently. It’s about turning the corner and being defiant in the face of your demons. “I may never come out the other side but it’s invigorating to try and hopefully, ultimately helpful,” Hadreas said about the track. The music carries this sentiment. It’s a thrilling lift that will get your heart pounding no matter how many times you hear it.
No Shape, produced by Blake Mills, is due out on May 5 through Matador Records.