Third Way is a London-based dream and electronic pop duo made up of Brazilian Paul Vilas and Yorkshire’s own Xander Edwards. They started releasing music a couple of years ago and a string of singles has led up to their latest EP release, Priestess.
By Graeme Smith
Priestess marks a slight change in direction for the pair compared to previous singles, with a move towards something a little darker, exemplified by its opening title track. Beginning stripped-back, electronic and classical elements then swirl together before settling into a moody groove. The centrepiece of the track is its soulful vocals, oozing with emotion and charisma. Lyrically, the track speaks of feeling directionless and an explosion of sound at the end of the track gives a sense of catharsis.
Aphrodite follows. It opens slow and contemplative before hitting a percussive groove accompanied by a menagerie of textures. There’s a sense of the ecclesiastical in both its use of organ and in its poetic lyrics. Musically there are undertones of R&B alongside the electronic pop that Priestess introduced. The stand out moment is its chorus – a heart-rending earworm.
The EP is closed by previously released single Notice. Sultry and bluesy, it gives us yet another side of Third Way’s sound. Lyrically, it touches on the themes of religion and feeling lost that have already been introduced but feels a little more melancholic. The melancholia is shaken off, however, during a soaring chorus where the vocals are at their most impressive.
Priestess is a short and sweet introduction to the Third Way sound. Its three tracks pack a lot in, and give you a really rounded idea of the duo’s sound and outlook. Lyrically astute, musically complex but approachable, it’s truly the perfect intro. I really feel there’s a lot more to come from Third Way and I can’t wait to join them on their journey. I hope you’ll join us too. You can listen to the whole of Priestess below.