BEFFROI is the Belgian duo of Valentin and Rori, who first made waves back in 2015 with ‘Swim’ via Kitsuné’s Hot Stream, followed by its b-side ‘Faint’ in 2016 and even more recently, a brooding dark-pop number ‘Jade’ in September this year. Fortunately for us, the young pair are already back with an adventurous new single ‘95 - 96’ featuring Belgian rapper Dvtch Norris. Speaking about the release, Valentin explains that “It’s the story of being in your twenties in 2017. Torn between teen and adult life not knowing where the hell you belong in this world. It’s about the challenges our generation faces today.” Taking cues from their namesake (the Dutch word “beffroi” translates to “clock tower” in English), ‘95 - 96’ opens with an ominous ticking and haunting textures, which are then replaced with Valentin’s powerful voice, synthesized bass rumbles and restless trap courtesy of Rori’s production talent. Following BEFFROI’s tense verse is a fire performance from Dvtch Norris, an unstoppable force that faces up outsiders’ judgments: “old friends say I drink too much, new friends say I think too much, why be me? You don’t wanna be me, you can’t walk in my shoes without a crutch.” His lyrical clarity is matched by Valentin’s shadowy thoughts that float over Rori’s electronic magnetism. ‘95 - 96’ is easily BEFFROI’s best song to date. - HT