Late Again offers an intriguing blend of dream pop, techno, and indie rhythms, with touches of his Brazilian heritage. Rafael left Brazil in pursuit of something greater, travelling between places and working with a wide range of creative people, including friends, film stars, Grammy winners, and others. His musical journey is reflected in both his geographical and artistic journeys. His music reflects his itinerant upbringing and is resonant with the yearning for a sense of community as well as the unadulterated delight of creating.
In April of this year, Late Again made a memorable entrance onto the music scene with his debut single, “Flood,” followed by other singles that culminated in the EP *Migraine Fever Dream*. These releases showcased his ability to blend indie pop with electronic and lo-fi elements, crafting a sound that is at once accessible and entirely unique. With his latest single, “Caterpillars,” Late Again continues to build on this foundation, offering a track that perfectly captures his distinctive musical style while also delivering a poignant commentary on the world around him.
The melancholic and engrossing song “Caterpillars” transports listeners to the setting that inspired its writing. The story behind the song is just as interesting as its sound: Rafael was inspired by the constant sounds of buildings outside his flat. For two years, it was practically difficult to sleep due to the constant noises of a pile driver after an entire block was destroyed to make room for a skyscraper. Rafael chose to make art out of the cacophony, aiming his microphone towards the window and catching the industrial beat that would serve as the foundation for “Caterpillars.”
The composition that emerges from this creative fusion of electronic and real-world sounds with Late Again’s indie pop and beat components is one that combines the song’s trippy trip-hop roots with an aggressive, construction-driven rhythm. The sitar’s twang adds colour to the tune from the first few bars’ pounding, and it then flows with processed voices and buzzy synth tones. “Caterpillars” stands out due to its smooth rhythm and deft mix of airy melodic appeal and gritty detail. With the publication of this album, Late Again keeps up the goodwill around his solo creative project by offering another taste of his incredibly inventive and entertaining musical production.
Listen here:
