London-based Cameroonian-Kiwi artist Estère turns unrequited love into something irresistibly funky on new single ‘Corduroy Jeans’. Comparing herself to a pair waiting to be picked out and worn, the self-described “thriftshop siren” threads clothing imagery through a playful metaphor for wanting to be chosen. “Everyone can see the hole inside me,” she admits, before wishing she could instead be “classic but discreet”.
At the centre of ‘Corduroy Jeans’ is a magnificent, rubbery bassline that bends and bounces its way through almost the entire track. Electronic drums and flashes of guitar colour the edges without competing for attention, creating an alt-R&B groove built for head-nods and hip-swings. Estère’s sultry, soulful vocal slips easily between melody and a more conversational delivery, adding to the track’s sexy, playful character.
The groove loosens towards the end, briefly removing that dominant bassline and allowing the guitar and percussion more room to breathe. Beneath all that effortless funk, however, sits something more vulnerable: the slightly tragic feeling of trying to look desirable while desperately hoping somebody chooses you. ‘Corduroy Jeans’ wears it remarkably well.
