You might recognise the voices behind Clementine Valentine, although you probably won’t recognise the name.
Formerly known as Purple Pilgrims, the dream pop duo that drew comparisons with Beach House and Cocteau Twins, sisters Clementine and Valentine Nixon have now decided to perform under their birth names.
Opening this new chapter for the sisters is “Endless Night”, a truly majestic introduction to their refined sound.
Like if Weyes Blood’s Natalie Mering cloned herself and formed an art-pop duo, Clementine Valentine pace their track to perfection, tenderly entwining their graceful vocals, raising their voices to the heavens when it’s needed.
“All songs are moments in time trapped in amber, this one feels particularly so,” the duo shares. “A relic of a past joy, crystallised behind dusty glass. Part self-fulfilling prophecy, part heartfelt sarcasm.”
“Endless Night” also sounds finely polished, which is probably in no small part to the level of expertise backing the sisters: the track is produced by Randall Dunn (Oneohtrix Point Never, Jim Jarmusch), mastered by Heba Kadry (Beach House, Slowdive), and also features renowned drummer Matt Chamberlain, who’s previously worked with David Bowie, Lana Del Rey and Fiona Apple.
You can watch the accompanying visuals to the track below, which were created by motion graphics artist Silas McClintock from FUTURA Studio and showcase the painting ‘Clementine & Valentine’ by New Zealand artist Liz Maw.
That Weyes Blood comparison wasn’t immaterial, with Clementine Valentine set to support the acclaimed US artist on her Aotearoa tour next week.
Their support slots at Auckland’s Powerstation (Monday, May 29th) and at Wellington’s Opera House (Tuesday, May 30th) will act as their debut performances under the new moniker, so be sure to get down early if you’re going to see Weyes Blood next week.
Clementine Valentine’s “Endless Night” is out now via Flying Nun Records.
