For her forthcoming EP Luna, neo-soul up-and-comer Chief Cleopatra is embracing other facets of her musical personality, bringing on talent like Curtis Roush and Jack O’Brien of Bright Light Social Hour as well as indie pop troubadour Walker Lukens. The result is a kaleidoscope of sonic textures anchored by Cleopatra’s rich, expressive vocals, perfectly displayed on single “Friends,” with its bittersweet lyrics and melody framed by the peppy synths of Lukens and Adam Mason. “Friends” sounds like peak-era Santigold,a style that is long overdue for a resurgence, heralding the arrival of Cleopatra as a pop force to be reckoned with in the scene. The Konstantin Belyshev directed video leans into that, taking the simple approach of following Cleopatra around the streets of South Congress (notably the scene of one of our favorite Walker Lukens videos as well), letting her presence and the colors of the buildings and murals do the work rather than a narrative or gimmick. Take a look for yourself below and be sure to check out
