On September 10th, 2025, the fiercely original Australian-American duo Yulan & Blaise returned with Quench, the third single from their highly anticipated debut EP. This latest release effortlessly reinforces their reputation for crafting intricate, emotionally resonant music, blending elements of dream pop and electronic pop with unexpected art pop flourishes. Quench is a striking example of how modern pop music can explore vulnerability and introspection while maintaining a compelling sonic palette.
The track unfolds like an off-kilter lullaby, drawing listeners into a world that is both tender and suffocating. With bossa nova and downtempo influences woven seamlessly into the composition, Quench explores cycles of attachment and addiction that loop back on themselves, evoking the sensation of a recurring dream or “cotton candy brain fog.” This thematic complexity is mirrored in the song’s meticulous arrangement, where each instrument contributes to a layered, immersive atmosphere.
Rhythmically, Quench is defined by subtle intricacies. The percussion is understated yet precise, with Yulan’s heartbeat mixed directly into the kick drum, creating an organic pulse that grounds the track’s ethereal textures. The rhythm ebbs and flows, giving the song a gentle, hypnotic quality that mirrors its lyrical exploration of cyclical emotions. This dynamic rhythm forms the backbone of a composition that feels both fluid and deliberately structured, allowing space for the intricate instrumental layers to shine.
The synth work in Quench is a standout element, providing a lush, enveloping soundscape. Soft, shimmering textures float above the rhythmic core, while arpeggiated patterns add a sense of movement and anticipation. These synth layers interact seamlessly with more unconventional instruments, including Omnichord, toy piano, shakuhachi, mezzo soprano sax, and contrabass sax, each contributing to the track’s dreamlike aesthetic. The careful interplay of electronic and acoustic elements underscores Yulan & Blaise’s skill as producers, revealing a sophisticated understanding of sonic layering and spatial dynamics.
Atmospherically, Quench is immersive and cinematic. The song’s sound world feels intimate, yet expansive, oscillating between moments of quiet introspection and lush, enveloping crescendos. The duo’s attention to detail ensures that every sonic element—no matter how subtle—adds to the track’s emotional resonance. This meticulous crafting results in a listening experience that is both captivating and deeply affecting, a testament to Yulan & Blaise’s ability to balance accessibility with artistic ambition.
The accompanying music video further enhances the song’s impact, placing Yulan & Blaise in a pink-hued reconstruction of a bedroom inspired by Trainspotting (1996). This visual juxtaposition of pastel opulence and underlying unease complements the track’s sonic textures, reinforcing the dreamlike, almost surreal quality of the music. By merging cinematic references from Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and The Virgin Suicides with the gritty tension of Danny Boyle’s work, the video amplifies the song’s themes of attachment and cyclical emotion in a visually striking manner.
Quench is a release of remarkable quality, combining intricate rhythm, lush synth textures, and a captivating atmosphere into a cohesive, emotionally charged whole. Yulan & Blaise continue to push the boundaries of dream pop and electronic pop, and this single demonstrates their ability to craft music that is as intellectually engaging as it is sonically beautiful. Hosting this release on our webzine is a privilege, as Quench stands as a compelling testament to the duo’s artistry and vision.