A dark and restrained cut from Bristol's finest serves as a promising hint for his upcoming debut LP.
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Opening with a twelve-piece orchestra building a foundation reminiscent of Ian Brown’s ‘F.E.A.R.’, ‘Threshold’ lacks the typical elasticity of Redlight’s work, though not the listenability.
Compared to previous singles ‘Gold Teeth’ and ‘Lion Jungle’, the radio-friendly sensibilities are explicit. Vocalist Melisa Whiskey leads us through a tale of a relationship that’s falling apart packed with clichés (the finest – “we just keep treading on these fault lines” – appears in the pre-chorus), whilst superb production and subtle instrumentation keeps the listener clinging on. Even the backing fading to near nought cannot hinder it, as Whiskey soars before an emphatic climax that disappoints only in its curtailed duration.
The whole package, with its restrained percussion and soulful decoration from Whiskey along with the video’s first-person view of a troubled gentleman resorting to crime and intoxicants to get through his day, closely resembles the former glories of Chase & Status. Redlight is renowned for high energy and boisterous productions spanning copious genres, and ‘Threshold’ illustrates a welcome depth and emotion within his repertoire.
‘Threshold’ is out now via Lobster Boy.
