“BETTER THAN_______” opens around a bass groove that immediately gives the track movement and warmth. Around it sits a detailed arrangement of acoustic textures and subtle electronic elements, creating a sound that feels intimate while still spacious.
The vocal delivery stays restrained and emotive throughout. Rather than dominating the arrangement, it settles naturally into the groove, becoming part of the wider texture of the track. There’s a softness to the performance that works well against the shifting instrumentation underneath.
As the track develops, the rhythm becomes more forward-moving without losing its mellow atmosphere. The groove tightens slightly, while layers of instrumentation continue to build around it. Acoustic sounds, percussion, and ambient details all interact in a way that keeps the arrangement interesting without overcrowding it.
The performances across the track feel organic and connected, which makes sense given the project’s live recording approach. There’s a looseness to the arrangement that gives it energy, while the production still feels carefully balanced and controlled.
“BETTER THAN_______” has also been added to the Frequency State Downtempo Playlist, sitting comfortably alongside jazz-influenced electronic music, alternative downtempo, and more experimental late-night sounds.
About BODUR and SECOND LANGUAGE
London-based artist BODUR released SECOND LANGUAGE on April 24, a three-track avant-garde pop project written and recorded during a continuous 28-hour live session at the V&A East Storehouse.
The project was created in full view of a live audience, with no separation between the writing, recording, and performance process. Built alongside collaborators Malte Henning, James Hazel, Will Heaton, Jono Pamplin, and producer Gabriel Gifford, the sessions captured ideas as they developed in real time.
BODUR’s work often blends experimental electronic production with jazz, alternative pop, and influences drawn from Arabic music theory. Following the themes explored on her 2025 album MAQAM, SECOND LANGUAGE continues that direction while placing more focus on immediacy and live performance energy.
