"Wipe Away," the new single from Brooklyn solo project twig twig (AKA Zubin Hensler), is the work of an artist at the top of his game. Tested in the studio and onstage with big-name acts like Sylvan Esso, My Brightest Diamond, Son Lux, and numerous others, Hensler has followed up his debut solo EP (normal feelings) with quite a bit of swagger, and the result is irresistible.
The song starts relatively slow, awash in airy synths, before twig twig's signature groove kicks in alongside heavily modulated, falsetto vocals. It's not long before we're treated to an explosive chorus of retro-sounding electronics, and rolling lyrics that can't help but get stuck in your head: "I could be the one to drive you insane / I could be the one you run around in the rain with / Tell me what you wanna do and I'll be there / Giving it everything I've got."
It's not so much the structure of "Wipe Away" that makes it impressive—in fact, it's a pretty standard verse-chorus-verse. What's exceptional is Hensler's execution, replete with layer upon layer of instrumental texture and brilliantly managed tension. The song never drags, and closing out at 2:46, hitting the replay button is almost reflexive. Chances are we'll be doing that right up until his new EP drops later this year.