Image: Katie Boner
Back on the 26th of January, electronic alt-pop twins ROOUE (an amalgamation of their names Ro and Lulu) released the second single from their upcoming debut EP. 'Overdraft' is a smooth-sounding track with layers and harmony aptly akin to the siblings' own chemistry.
The song's main motif is clear, as the two utilise a keen eye for electronic production with sombre pop stylings to present a tale of a draining relationship in both the financial and (more so) emotional sense. It's about giving too much, with little in return and charts the acceptance of such before getting out of that rut.
"They use glistening harmonisation to create an honest and raw insight into love, loss and empowerment from vulnerability." (Press pack)
From the very start, likeable notes are struck with a sweetly vocoded intro. A pace change follows, while the vocal becomes cleaner and holds a pleasant proximity from the listener. The message is direct, yet clear - in almost an advisory way. The vocode returns for the chorus nicely, while ROOUE address this subject matter: "You keep putting me in the overdraft."
Image: Katie Boner
In essence, ‘Overdraft’ presents a frail perspective that was written when one of the girls had a relatively sliding doors moment - when she inwardly came to terms with the fact that her past relationship was emotionally abusive. The member gave all of her time, energy, love and more to this relationship, but for what? Such was the burden and sacrifice, it put her into emotional overdraft. And thus, a song was born:
“Writing this song was so healing and inspired us to share the struggles and challenges that being in an abusive relationship can bring. We wanted to make a song that we wish we could have heard when going through this situation and maybe help someone who hears it to not feel alone”.
The song immediately struck me, if you hadn't already guessed, for the use of the vocoded, harmonised lead. It's just so easy to listen to when carried out properly and it holds slight yet striking parallels to Caroline Polachek, The Japanese House and even Olivia Dean while upholding more electronic pop motivations. To have this audible likeability is one thing, yet to have a poignant emotional connection to the song's very creation is an added novelty and hints that if every ROOUE song finds the light from adversity's darkness - it's perhaps a sacrifice worth making.
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