Right now there is someone reading this article while wondering if they should reach back out to their ex. We’re not here to tell you whether that’s a good idea or not (pros and cons are for the gullible, after all), but we will supply IAN SWEET’s absolutely captivating new single as a soundtrack for any (sound/poor) decision-making. The former Boston artist and human being born Jillian Medford delivered the shimmering “Criminal Kissing” late last month, the first taste of new album Shiverstruck, out July 24 on Polyvinyl, and we suspect it’ll show up in December when we’re busy collecting the year’s best bops. It just has a certain vibe to it that’s serving classic, and possesses the type of romantic haziness required for allowing the bad ones back into your life. Between now and SOTY season, we’ll lean on it whenever we feel a little too nostalgic for the one that got away (for good reason). “’Criminal Kissing’ is a love letter to making bad decisions,” Medford says. “Like hooking up with your ex even though you’ll be left emotionally unraveling and picking up the pieces afterwards. Sometimes you just have to lean into the chaos spiral and see where it leads you.” Let this one lead you to Royale, as IAN SWEET plays the Tremont Street joint with American Football on July 8.
Photo Credit: Wrenne Evans