Chanel Beads — the project of New York-based musician Shane Lavers — shares the single “Embarrassed Dog” from his debut album, Your Day Will Come, out 4/19 via Jagjaguwar.
“Embarrassed Dog” emerges after the release of singles “Idea June” and “Police Scanner,” enriched with backing vocals from their concert collaborator Maya McGrory and violin by Zachary Paul. This track delves into the eccentric ‘80s sophisti-pop realm, reminiscent of The Blue Nile, Prefab Sprout, and David Sylvian. The unique use of two bass lines—one via MIDI and the other from a bass guitar—reflects the song’s thematic duality. It portrays a dog, used by Lavers as a metaphor for his youthful self: ostensibly fierce yet fundamentally reliant and performing toughness. This dualistic imagery encapsulates the struggle of identity and belonging.
The essence of Chanel Beads sophisti-pop lies in their ability to blend the complexity of its arrangements with the simplicity of its melodies, creating a sound that’s both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. Chanel Beads has managed to capture the zeitgeist of the era, their music reflecting the sophistication and cosmopolitan ethos of the 1980s, while also engaging with the political and social upheavals of the time. Check out “Embarrassed Dog” below: