If you haven’t come across the songwriting talent that is Eoin French, then please do take note now. This Irish artist who performs under the moniker Talos demonstrates once again in new single ‘Contra’ that he's entirely comfortable with stripping back his sound to present the listeners with his sincere, affecting vocals backed by minimalist synths. However, this track also proves that French is equally confident when up against surging waves of anthemic drums and a menagerie of starry synths. This superb contrast of minimalist vulnerability and cinematic production correlates nicely to the meaning behind ‘Contra’ - “the idea of protecting someone very fragile in the midst of a crisis, when the walls are falling down around you”. The closing moments are particularly poignant as Talos reaches outwards with his empathetic vocal performance, while the bold instrumentation teeters on the edge of potential catastrophe. ‘Contra’ is a wonderfully emotive appetiser for Talos’ forthcoming debut album Wild Alee, out April 21st. - HT