Tolstoys reveal latest track ‘Describe My Name’
The colourful Slovakian dream pop quintet return with a hazy, nostalgic tune, and an addictive music video to match
Photo: Samuel Alexander Petrás
Tolstoys have always had an impressively varied sound, and their latest single proves their commitment to dynamic and beautiful music. Describe My Name takes their sweet harmonies to dreamy extremes; blending simple lyrics with a romantic but melancholic backing track. The production is silky smooth, taking us on an effortlessly mellow journey in under three minutes. It is especially notable that their instruments are used sparingly, forging a subtly funky tune out of disparate beats. The result is a catchy, dreamlike and nostalgic sound - a perfect Sunday afternoon song.
Tolstoys have etched out a very cool but approachable style, creating an artistic flair out of their sensitive and thoughtful music. Though a young band, they have never been shy about branching out, often singing in both Slovakian and English, drawing fans from across Europe. They do not always do dream pop, instead making use of classical instruments and electronic elements to delve into other genres including drum & bass, folk and indie. They have been a mainstay of vital Central European festivals such as Pohoda, and have consistently released interesting music since 2016, always offering something exciting to match the band’s colourful and eccentric aesthetic. This single launches their latest ambition to release a song with an accompanying music video every two months from now until February 2022, when their second LP Mirror Me will drop.
Describe My Name works because it flows so well, making use of the inimitable vocal range of lead singer Ela Tolstova, whose surname partly inspired the band’s moniker. Tolstova’s unmistakably breathy voice oozes over the drums and intermittent melodies, hitting lofty highs and gentle whispers with the same breath, seductively drawing us into the lyrics which are deeper than they may seem. The chorus of “If you wanna go in / just grab my hand” conveys a fragility and trust between two lovers, which intertwined with the immersive sound seems to transcend into the spiritual realm. Even the title lyric “Describe my name” portrays an enigmatic act (how exactly does one describe a name?), adding to the aura of mystery and intrigue the track carries.
The music video also builds layers on the dreamy nostalgia of the track, showing grainy footage of Tolstova and bassist Michal Smetana get pretend-married and traipse around Berlin. The VHS-style camerawork and the video’s conclusion - where the couple appear back in regular clothes - gives the whole single an air of wistfulness. This sense of yearning is reflected in the need to keep re-listening to this particularly captivating song.
The overall draw of Tolstoys’ latest effort is a tantalising tune and video to get lost in, an earworm which stays with you long after the harmonic melody has faded away.
