Ritual Forms Haunting Melody In “Down”

Ritual Forms Haunting Melody In “Down”

Dream pop fans who love a unique twist need to give Ritual Forms’ single, “Down,” a listen. The track’s heavy beat and evocative vocals create an interesting dynamic to “Down.” 

The song first came to life when Curtis ElVidge experimented with creating a warped 90’s hip-hop sample. This sample inspired Anna’s songwriting, with its impactful lyrics and groove melodies around a unique song structure. 

Ritual Forms describes how,

“The lyrical backdrop here is both personal and politically charged, but [we] wanted to layer sounds and textures to bring a sullen and dreamy vibe that represents both the anxious undertones many of us are feeling, along with the flow and relief of moving forward.”

“Down” showcases much of the elements the band incorporates in their other music, such as the balance of intense lyrics, with emotive synth arrangements pulled together with powerful bass. 

Listen to “Down” below:

Alongside releasing the single, Ritual Form dropped a music video for “Down.” Set on a beach and filmed with a black-and-white filter, the music video features lead singer Anna singing alone and wandering along the sand and into the water. The track already has a haunting element, and the music video further draws on it with symbolism. One specific example is the imagery of a baptism, showcasing rebirth, which is then followed by ripping pages out of a holy book.

Watch the music video for “Down” below:

“Down” is the second single released in anticipation of their debut album, Nighttime Economy, out on March 2nd. Their first single off the album, “Dreaming,” also fits in with the dreamy feel of “Down,” along with their most recent single, “Bury Me.” To stay updated on Ritual Forms and their music, check them out on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. 

In the meantime, listen to Ritual Form’s latest single, “Bury Me,” below!