Ambergrove has always been a bit of a social media enigma. Apart from those familiar with the members’ previous projects, it could be hard to discern the identity of this project. All of this seems quite intentional: Ambergrove’s essence is equal parts solo project, equal parts international sonic love affair. I had a pleasure of getting an early listen to the album, as well as a look at the full list of personnel who contributed. Needless to say, it’s quite a collaborative effort, but each of the songs yet to be released have their own unique personalities.

That said, “stills” is a perfect introduction (or reintroduction) to Ambergrove. It’s hard to convey that the concept of mixing elements of falsetto-laden disco with synths and crazy string arrangement toward the end, but this track encompasses all of this and more. The track’s sentimental story of yearning for connection ties perfectly with its release on Valentine’s Day, and even though the rhythmic foundation remains as a steady pulse, you’ll rarely hear the same thing in more than a single moment. Ambergrove manages to capture the catchiness of pop music and garnish it with elements of more obscure and progressive styles, perhaps a bit akin to what Mew was known for, except if they had chosen to excel in the schools of folk and dance music.

In this manner, Ambergrove’s music is just as mysterious and eclectic as the faces and names behind it, and we’re simply looking at just one course of a much larger progressive dinner of a record. Come see what the fuss is all about and check out “stills” below.