Opening with rapid-fire crunchy drum patterns, the latest single from Heron hits the ground running, basking in a joyous lo-fi pop aesthetic. Having previously been signed to Virgin Records, Heron took an extended break from music due to health issues, and difficulties with his voice. Now back, Paradigm is the latest and fourth single to be taken from Heron’s forthcoming album, Underground Sky, which is being released through Heron’s own label, Cracked Analogue, one song at a time.
Paradigm itself is a psychedelic synth-pop track that leverages the angular aesthetic of post-punk, landing in a space not dissimilar to Metronomy or Hot Chip. At the same time, Heron’s inspiration is personal, rather than drawn from specific musicians, and the ambition is for each song on Underground Sky to explore a different sound and genre, whilst weaving them together into a cohesive whole.
As a song, Paradigm is notably modern, whilst channeling a retro stylings. Falsetto vocals, a Hammond organ and a 60s aesthetic meeting contemporary production techniques. Combined with lyrics that deal with notions of introspection and progress, the result is a bright retro-futurist slice of music that gradually builds momentum as it progresses. The result is disorienting, fast, and playful.
Check out Paradigm below: