Years & Years, Palo Santo | Track Review 🎵

British electronic collective Years & Years continue to build buzz for their sophomore album, ‘Palo Santo’ with their third advance single, “Palo Santo.”

“You’re the darkness in me, Palo Santo.” Years & Years have been on a roll throughout 2018, leading up to their highly-anticipated sophomore album, Palo Santo. Olly Alexander and company haven’t missed yet, delivering two consecutive triumphs with singles “Sanctify” and “If You’re Over Me”. “Sanctify” remains the crown jewel, encompassing spirituality and sexuality. As the July 6 release day for Palo Santo approaches, the British electronic collective drops a third advance single, “Palo Santo.”

First and foremost, what is Palo Santo? It is a fragrant wood from South America, often used as incense.  Given the spiritual references made on the promo single “Sanctified,” it should come as no surprise “holy wood” comes into play. The pace slackens a bit for “Palo Santo.” Slightly slower tempo? No problem for Olly Alexander, who sounds just as lovely with a few less BPMs on this sensual cut.  On this Sarah Hudson co-write, Alexander, “in an altered state,” gives into the sin – lust, sex, etc. “Strike a match and whisper my name,” he sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “Speak in tongues, bend me ‘til I break.” At the same time as he paints this sensual imagery, he seems to reference the “holy wood,” Palo Santo, which definitely seems like clever double entendre.

“And I’m giving in to your fever touch
Let it all begin when the fire starts
You’re the darkness in me, Palo Santo
And the memories are filling up with smoke
You’ll remember me and I start to choke
You’re the darkness in me
Palo Santo
(burning, burning).”

Final Thoughts

There’s NO possible way that Palo Santo can end up being a letdown, is there?  NO POSSIBLE WAY. “Palo Santo” the song continues the excellence established by “Sanctify” and “If You’re Over Me.” It’s well-sung, well-produced, and well-written.  The mix of sex, sexuality, and spirituality is awesome.

Years & Years • Palo Santo • Polydor • Release: 7.6.18

Photo Credit: Polydor