Body Language Obsess Over the Unattainable on "Whenever I Think of You" (KEXP Premiere)

For the past decade, Brooklyn babies Body Language have been at the forefront of the indie/dance scene, taking inspiration from a wide variety of genres including disco, pop, neo-soul, and house to constantly reinvent themselves while keeping your butt on the (hypothetical, at the moment) dance floor. The quartet continue this sonic exploration on their fourth full-length Travel Guide but at a simmeringly slower tempo.

Due for release on October 9th, the album is said to chronicle an itinerary in route through ten tracks of genre-bent psychedelic R&B. From writing the record on both coasts to slowly spreading themselves out beyond the limits of Brooklyn, NY, distance and wayfaring seems to hold no water to their force as writers, as they triumphantly deem this record to be their most collaborative effort yet.

Following the release of the debut single “Perfection” last month, KEXP is excited to premiere the second taste of Travel Guide with “Whenever I Think of You.” Said to be influenced by Ghost Town DJ’s and INOJ, the track definitely channels the sexy electro-R&B of “My Boo” and “Love You Down” with a strong dash of Jessy Lanza's textured minimalism. Swirling electronic beats create a potent sonic landscape for Angelica Bess’ slinky coos of love and adoration.

“‘Whenever I Think of You’ is about being deeply absorbed in your thoughts of someone especially when you can't be with them,” explains Bess. “When that person is unattainable, your meditative state is your only escape to freedom. Your mind is like a vault so why not take pleasure in filling it with thoughts about someone you admire.”

“Writing this track was an opportunity for Angelica to shine all around,” continues Body Language’s Grant Wheeler. “ I brought her a really basic melodic instrumental idea and she immediately heard all sorts of percussion ideas and we tracked out the drum parts as she envisioned them. Then she immediately swung into writing the lyrics and tracked the vocals all right then. It all came together really quickly.”

Below, listen to “Whenever I Think of You.” Travel Guide is out October 9th via On Om Records.