Indie trip-hop duo Belum continues to carve out their own space in the alternative music scene with Dogwood, the second track from their debut album Fleece, which was released on January 17th. As the final single before the album’s release, Dogwood encapsulates the duo’s ability to blend haunting atmospheres with pulsating energy, creating a track that is as hypnotic as it is intense.
From the opening moments, Dogwood establishes a brooding, immersive soundscape, driven by distorted basslines and eerie synth textures that weave seamlessly into its noise-laden backdrop. The track carries a sense of urgency, heightened by its ’90s-inspired distorted guitar riffs and a pulsing electronic beat that propels it forward. Amalia Small’s ethereal yet commanding vocals cut through the mix, adding a layer of emotional depth that makes Dogwood feel both intimate and expansive. There’s a push-and-pull tension in the song, balancing chaos and control, a dynamic that has become a hallmark of Belum’s sound.
Lyrically, Dogwood remains enigmatic, much like the rest of Fleece, relying more on evocative imagery and mood than straightforward storytelling. This approach gives the song an almost cinematic quality, allowing listeners to project their own emotions onto its swirling instrumentals and haunting vocal delivery. The track’s production further enhances its immersive nature, with layers of reverb and distortion creating a sense of vastness, as if the song exists in a liminal space between dream and reality.
With Fleece, Belum showcases a clear vision for their artistry, pulling from influences like Cocteau Twins and Portishead while forging their own path in the trip-hop genre. Dogwood is a standout moment on the album, embodying the duo’s experimental spirit and their ability to craft music that lingers in the mind long after the final note fades.
Now available on all streaming platforms, Dogwood is an essential listen for fans of atmospheric, genre-blending music. As Belum continues to build their sonic world, this track serves as both an introduction and an invitation—one that is impossible to ignore.
