When we last heard from Culture Culture frontman Anthony Aparo, he was busy deconstructing pop music with his beguiling single “I’ve Got Plenty.” It was a fantastic effort — quirky and fun yet subtle and nuanced — but all things being equal, the final product wasn’t very far removed from the exuberant synthpop Culture Culture is known for. There were some departures, for sure, but for the most part, the differences related to tone and pacing, and not to style.

With “Don’t Be Late,” however, the singer-songwriter steps outside the sleek contours of breezy pop and into a space that is hushed, minimal, and intimate. In many ways it’s a far more traditional approach, at least from the perspective of the singer-songwriter, but Aparo doesn’t allow himself to gets bogged down by any limitations inherent in the genre. Opening with the twinkle of a soft acoustic and sparse bass, the song slowly swells into an introspective folk rock number reminiscent of Jackson Browne — smart, reflective, and unflinchingly personal. “I wish we didn’t always fight over the same old stupid things” he starts in on an unnamed lover, before quickly offering up words of reassurance: “But there’s no chance I won’t be sticking around / So darling don’t be late because I don’t think I can wait.”

It would be easy to casually dismiss Aparo as another young songwriter trapped in the throes of indie-dude sensitivity, but given the nature of his other work, the argument doesn’t hold. What’s clear, however, is that he’s a gifted artist with a distinct voice and an obvious interest in exploring the various boundaries of rock and pop. He may not always give you what you expect, but maybe it’s just what we need.

“Don’t Be Late” is taken from the Aparo’s upcoming LP, Under, due out in May.

Anthony Aparo will perform on Saturday, April 16 at Hendershot’s Coffee in Athens. He will be supported by fellow singer-songwriter Erin Lovett. Doors open 8 p.m. Admission is FREE.

More Info
Bandcamp: anthonyaparo.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @anthonythomasaparo
Instagram: @anthonyaparo
SoundCloud: @anthonyaparo