Live Review: Sufjan Stevens drops mesmeric new single 'Sugar'

Invigorating us with a fresh new sound, Sufjan Stevens ventures deep into the world of electronica with his new hypnotic single 'Sugar'. Mastering a plethora of different genres across previous albums, Stevens' latest single strays away from the indie-folk sounds heard throughout his critically acclaimed 2015 Carrie & Lowell LP as he explores something new.

Giving us a taste of what's to come, 'Sugar' marks the third release off the artist's forthcoming album The Ascension following 'America' and 'Video Game'. Judging from the soundscapes in each song, it's clear this album is set to be an electronically driven masterpiece.

Soft and entrancing, 'Sugar' feels like pure catharsis with an instrumental opening that guides us into the iridescent world of electronica. With the introduction of Stevens' dreamy vocals, this all-encompassing single is taken to new depths with glitchy synths, warped electronic sounds, and airy textures. It's a wild kaleidoscope with a medley of sounds that feel almost psychedelic and trance-like.

Talking about the deep meaning behind his new single Stevens said, “‘Sugar’ is ultimately about the desire for goodness and purity (and true sustenance).”

“On the surface the song is just a string of clichés, but the message is imperative: now is the time to gather what is good and pure and valuable and make it your own, and share it with others. Feed your soul and speak new life into those around you. Give each other love, respect and sacrifice. Relinquish all the old habits, all the old ways of thinking and doing, all former practices—‘business as usual’—and bring new life to the world. This is our calling.”

Stevens has also released an artistic music video for 'Sugar' that was directed by Ezra Hurwitz and filmed in Brooklyn with professional dancers. The film portrays a family as they experience their world crumble around them. Choreographer Kyle Abraham said about the film, “The way I approach choreography tends to blend elements of the everyday with moments of abstraction.”

Both ethereal and mesmeric, 'Sugar' is sure to create hype for Sufjan Stevens' forthcoming album The Ascension, set for release September 25.

Words by CLAUDIA FALLON

Image: Evans Richardson

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE 

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