Blending experimental electronic textures with ethereal vocals and unique instrumentation, newcomers Yulan & Blaise are here to offer something thoroughly original. The Australian-American duo, featuring the talents of Singaporean-Australian artist Yulan Jack and Mexican-American saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Blaise Garza, combine to deliver ambitious sonic experimentation via a unique and pioneering approach.
Though their musical partnership presents an exciting new endeavour, the pair are no strangers to success in their previous artistic pursuits. Yulan, whose name pays homage to her grandmother Mulan, is a prolific artist whose talents span music, acting and interdisciplinary performance. Named one of the 40-Under-40 Most Influential Asian-Australians in 2022, she’s also featured in the Emmy-nominated comedy Deadloch. Meanwhile, Blaise has spent two decades as the saxophonist for iconic folk punk outfit Violent Femmes, performing at iconic venues from the Sydney Opera House to The Hollywood Bowl and collaborating with artists such as Barenaked Ladies and Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison.
Their upcoming 2025 debut EP is set to deliver true cinematic escapism, reimagining their real-life romance in vivid, often surreal scenarios. Ahead of the EP, they bring us the first taste of their fiercely original sonic vision with their debut single titled “God Complex.” Serving up a brooding electroacoustic downtempo track, the song draws inspiration from the nostalgic yet futuristic ‘Bristol Sound’ and 90s sci-fi soundtracks. The track frames themes of ambition, nihilism and grief, using the metaphor of a lover heading to another galaxy, a literal take on the ultimate long-distance relationship.
The song unites an array of unique sonic elements to tell its story; Yulan’s haunting vocals are complemented by Blaise’s virtuosic performance on the EWI (electronic wind instrument), alongside the inclusion of instruments like the shakuhachi flute, the Chinese erhu and the primal jaguar whistle. These sounds, stripped from their traditional contexts and wrapped in an avant-garde trip hop fabric, form an otherworldly sound that feels at once accessible and otherworldly.
Brought in by the soft swell of synth tones and the rattle of processed hi hats, Yulan’s ethereal voice enters above the contrast of the punching kick, casting a mesmeric soundscape that transports the listener to a distant musical sphere unlike any other. The bright dashes of flute pepper the arrangement with airy melodic flourishes while the winding bass lines and shuffle of drums maintain a steady rhythm. With layers of dancing melodies and rising sonic energy, “God Complex” sees the pair make a spectacular entrance with a thoroughly original sound that’s gripping and groundbreaking in equal measure.
Paired with the single is a music video offering a dystopian vision of abandonment. Shot in a disused print factory in Tasmania, the video juxtaposes gritty 16mm film footage with sleek, Matrix-inspired visuals, distilling the song’s themes into a dark and moody visual extravaganza. With their forthcoming debut EP on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what this visionary pair has in store next on what’s sure to be a thrilling musical adventure.
Watch the music video for God Complex below
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