"And you need to know that I'm hella obsessed with your face," LANY's enigmatic vocalist tenderly croons in bouncy new single "ILYSB". Hearing that phrase delivered in such an endearing tone, I'm reminded of an ongoing "game" my friend Michael and I play. Over the last year or so, we've kept a running tab of artists who use "f***" so masterfully that it becomes a delicate word. Iron & Wine, Bon Iver, Lana Del Rey, Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Vampire Weekend have all been added to the hallowed ranks and while "hella" is far removed from the infamous four-letter word, LANY at least deserve an honorable mention for the way they use "hella." Instead of a fifth grader's favorite word, it's a paean of love; an innocent confession lacking any of the hazards "obsession" often comes with. Even the title, rendered in an acronym, is an ingenuous admission of affection. "I love you (babe) so bad" the singer repeatedly hums in the chorus, finger snaps and tidal synthesizer carefully accompanying him.
The cautious production is really what rescues "ILYSB" and LANY from dire romantic drama. When they sing "and you need to know that you keep me up all night" there's no agony dripping from the line. Right as the phrase ends, what sounds like a guitar is gently plucked and the pressure is alleviated. There's no pain or worry anywhere. The serene music would have you convinced he's up all night because it's a new love. The kind where everything done together is an important "event." A sort of love where you're sending texts that read "ILYSB" at 2AM in the morning as you go to bed. Or perhaps a simple smiley face emoticon. Considering the warmth of "ILYSB" the latter is more likely.
LANY's Acronyms single is now available on iTunes.
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