I don’t remember the first time I encountered this song, but I feel like it’s been playing on the jukebox in my head on repeat ever since. It’s the kind of repetitive, creative piece that means that you don’t stop thinking about it from the opening lines to the end of the song. Although there are a lot of really good elements happening here, I would argue that it is the satisfying development or arc of the song that makes it feel so good. The song begins with a minimal electronic buzz that slowly swells into an interesting, layered vocal that weaves in and out of the track with little effort. A warm organ-inspired synth sound supports the steady percussion and unique treble instrumental line. Unidentifiable electronic effects add moments of sparkle to the verses, and neither the vocal nor the baseline becomes boring, because it is beautifully edited to create moments of interest as it progresses. Vocal lines fall in and out of step with one another, creating a rousing, upbeat track that feels a little like falling in love itself.
I prefer the extended mix or expanded version, because it gives the song the space to really grow and shrink back. Although the vocals are strong and catchy, the electronic instrumentation is flawless and varied, and the vocal content is relatable and moving, it is the way the song moves as a whole that makes it something quite exceptional. The pieces move together to create a gently groovy momentum that is both dance-ready and chill appropriate.
I’m a voracious consumer of music and I find myself refreshed and perhaps even fuelled when I discover tracks like this one. Something unique and soulful, something that’s immersive and interesting is what I’m after. Can’t Do Without You creates a sort of moody, love struck world with effortless musicianship and I just can’t get enough.
