Perspective and hindsight become the stories that we tell ourselves, usually to portray ourselves as the good guy, the bystander, the one at mercy of events outside of our control. Here the NYC-based duo Refs encapsulate this truth perfectly in new single ‘Stories’ complete with their first appearance in a music video. Here we see the duo hanging out together, with friends, playing their music, although possibly the most powerful imagery is that of the bedroom covered in plastic sheets, a physical embodiment of the lengths we go to to preserve the memories of a lost relationship. The lyrics are far from heartbroken, rather they’re brutally honest, 'You think the more that you complain, / The less you have yourself to blame, / Isn’t working out too well for you, is it?'. These straight truths are delivered through textured harmonies, synth-pop melodies, moving percussion, and futuristic production. It’s no wonder that with ten songs already under their belt, Refs have racked up ten million streams, and that number is sure to keep growing with the likes of ‘Stories’ keeping that bar high. - Hannah Thacker