Rear Window, the new collaboration between Gang of Four’s JJ Sterry and Canarian producer Santi Arribas, delivers a refreshing alternative-pop experience with their latest single, “Head Above Water”. Following their debut track, “Running Away”, the new track cements their position as a dynamic force in modern music. Built on a steady four-to-the-floor beat, the track blends staccato synths and swirling guitars, with JJ’s sharp vocal delivery tackling the uncertainties of contemporary life.
At the heart of “Head Above Water” is a message about the fragile sense of control we think we have in our lives. JJ’s lyrics reveal a deep awareness of how quickly stability can unravel and offer a reflection on how small events can cause everything to fall apart. He aptly explains,
“As much as we’d like to think otherwise, our fate isn’t really in our own hands. Your boss might be having a bad day, family issues, health, wealth, whatever – one small thing can set off a chain reaction & it all comes crashing down.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates in today’s volatile world. Yet, as much as the song touches on themes of uncertainty, it doesn’t wallow in despair. There’s a subtle optimism in the track, with Santi noting,
“I think the lyrics are quite relatable as everything feels kind of up in the air right now, people are just about getting by – but the song is somehow still kind of uplifting. ‘I’m doing my best…’.”
What sets Rear Window apart is the duo’s ability to merge their diverse influences while maintaining a sense of cohesion in their sound. With nods to iconic acts like Talking Heads, The Cure, and XTC, the two pull from a rich palette and create a track that feels fresh without being tied to a particular style. This freedom to explore is a key strength of the project, with Santi emphasising that they don’t feel boxed in by expectations,
“Rear Window is quite liberating for both of us as there’s not really any musical avenues we won’t go down. There’s no shortage of ideas so we can just cherry pick what we like, rather than trying to fit into any kind of preconceptions of what we should be doing.”
The production on “Head Above Water” is sleek and well-balanced and reflects Santi’s experience and skill in crafting soundscapes. Meanwhile, JJ’s vocal performance is direct and compelling which adds emotional weight to the lyrics without them becoming overbearing. The song’s looping guitars and rhythmic precision build a tension that mirrors the anxiety JJ sings about, while the electronic flourishes give the track a modern edge that keeps it engaging from start to finish.
Formed in the aftermath of a writing session between the two London-based musicians, Rear Window represents the duo’s creative synergy and brings together their strengths to craft something distinctly their own. Their ability to produce tracks that challenge genre conventions while remaining accessible makes them an act to watch.
Speaking of watch, the music video for “Head Above Water” complements the song’s themes of vulnerability and illusion with sharp and minimalistic visuals that amplify its message. Using bold contrasts to evoke a sense of unease and uncertainty that mirror the song’s exploration of how quickly stability can unravel, the video’s stripped-back aesthetic aligns perfectly with JJ’s confrontational vocal delivery and enhances the song’s tension while offering a visually engaging experience that deepens the track’s emotional impact. Together, the video and song form a cohesive narrative that leaves a lasting impression.
