We've been thoroughly enjoying an intriguing string of singles from left-of-centre compositional duo Group Listening as of late. As they trudge stoically towards release of their forthcoming album Walks (a concept album intrinsically connected to spaces and vivid memories of them), 'Shopping Building' is yet another transportive offering from the idiosyncratic pair. This time, drawing inspiration from "the green spaces of Milton Keynes and the airy arcades of its modernist shopping centre (voted the UK’s best looking shopping centre in 1993; and the setting for Cliff Richard’s “Wired For Sound” music video in 1981)..." there's a palpable sense of optimism reflected in the music. Embodying an imagined utopia, Stephen Black's sax work is simultaneously soulful and blissed out as croaking percussion and ambient beats provide a sense of pace. Paul Jones comments on the accompanying visuals: "Nic's video perfectly encapsulates the utopianism and civic optimism of the original planners vision for the 'Shopping Building' complex in Milton Keynes. The vivid colours and paradisal palm trees intercut with still images of the building itself chime perfectly with the haziness of the music. They capture a sense of joy and wonder, conjuring the ideals and dreams of the original planners. This utopianism has been heavily eroded by increasing commercialisation and capitalist uniformity since the day it was built over 40 years ago. “However, if you tune in you can still feel the positivity of the designer’s original ideas echoing through the building when walking through its potted palms and metallic-gold walkways.” Walks will be released on the 10th of May through PRAH Recordings. -Holly Mullineaux