From Slovak dream-pop sensations comes another endearing and thoughtful single

Tolstoys’ latest release, Skin Hunger (We Are Human Beings), from the upcoming album Mirror Me, brings forward an animalistic and worldly sound. It is impressive how the music forms a sonic experience, starting as a slow and sparse beat leading to a hypnotic choral chant. The creeping background instrumental notes give the song an intriguing edge, creating a mystic sound that complements the layered vocals of lead singer Ela Tolstova.

Skin Hunger’s strength comes from its eclectic flow which melds together more smoothly on each re-listen, indicating how tight the production is. The lyrics indicate a sense of yearning to an ideal of nature which is perhaps overlooked in modern society, especially considering the alienating events of the past two years: “It’s really not that complicated / everything’s related… we are human beings / we need touch”.

The video is visually captivating, with shots of people frolicking and dancing in a lake with animal masks on, inviting us to question what being human is and the blurred boundaries between ourselves and nature. Ultimately, the song serves as a tribal, uplifting celebration of the base essence of humanity, and it is a welcome departure from our rolling news coverage culture.