One half of GL, member of The Bamboos and Dorsal Fins– it’s a wonder Ella Thompson has any time on her hands let alone enough to forge her own solo career as well, yet she does and has, and the results are sublime.
Although the accompanying film clip suggests a nostalgic tinge, this is actually a more modern take on the dancefloor tracks Thompson has become known for with GL, and more electronically suited than that of the soul/funk stylings of The Bamboos or the lo-fi psychedelic tunes of Dorsal Fins.
Ella is stepping out on her own, and Arcade is a perfect and ambitious first release. Pensive and emotional, Arcade is an emotional synth-pop ballad with heartfelt lyrics. Showing more lyrical depth, as well as serious talent on the production side of things, this is the kind of heartfelt pop that will set her apart from other slightly more generic electro-pop ladies.
Arcade is the first track off Thompson’s forthcoming album Janus, and has got me very excited indeed to see what else she can offer!