It’s not my place to ascribe purpose to any artist’s work, but Dot.s have always seemed to be a band that moves with obsessive deliberation. In general, their songs have sought balance between the artier side of rock and the kinetic rhythms of dance music, sometimes leaning heavier in one direction, while still keeping both feet planted on that tremulous tightrope. So it comes as little surprise that “Evil Lines,” the group’s first release since 2017’s collaborative and experimental Down Goes the Elephant, should seek out a similar equilibrium, the product of both well-laid plans and the members’ keen instinct for transportive grooves.

According to Dot.s. bandleader Ryan James, the track is the result of two ideas, the first being a desire to have a sweeping orchestral break—one more percussive than melodic—serve as the centerpiece of the song. For that, the band turned to violinist Jenna Mobley and cellist Andrew Cleveland who combined to shape James’ nebulous vision into something striking and concrete. The second, perhaps more demanding aim, was to strip the song of any extraneous melodies and move forward with something more fundamental yet equally distinct.

“[We wanted] to see how much mileage we can get out of one melody that’s almost annoyingly simple,” James explains. “It’s difficult to write a song that winds around and modulates in a way that feels natural and unforced, but I’d argue it’s equally difficult to slow down and make something that’s both simple and captivating.”

That specific challenge, in fact, moved the group to seek out additional assistance. On the initial version of the recording, James handled all the vocals himself, but the resulting atmosphere wasn’t as entrancing as he envisioned. So in order to add further ethereal allure to “Evil Lines,” Dot.s brought in vocalist Grace Bellury of shadowy dreamweavers Karaoke.

“Grace’s presence and voice has been something I’ve admired since we’ve been friends,” James says. “I wrote a part for her on Down Goes the Elephant… and it’s easily the best part of that whole thing. She’s an absolute badass and solved every problem I had with ‘Evil Lines’ pretty effortlessly.”

Indeed, while “Evil Lines” bounds forward, sleek and buoyant, there’s something about the song that feels slightly out of focus, like a photograph that’s been left to fade in the sun. Much of that diaphanous haze is surely due to Bellury’s gossamer vocals, but part of the magic of Dot.s is the apparent ease with which they handle their delicate balancing act. That certainly holds true for “Evil Lines” with all its shimmering textures and the many beguiling ways it unfurls, contracts, and distends. For the band it’s yet another grand and ambitious effort, an unhurried treasure that flourishes under the quintet’s obsessive care.

Listen below or click here to stream the track on Spotify.

“Evil Lines” is the first single from Dot.s forthcoming LP Long For This World. Unlike past records where the band shared a couple of singles and a video before releasing the full album, the group is taking a more measured approach this time around with a new single to be unveiled each week throughout the summer. The final LP is out July 5.

Dot.s will perform on Sat., May 25 at 529 alongside Breathers, the Queendom, and Taves. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the door. 21+ to enter.

More Info
Web: dotsband.com
Bandcamp: dotssotsdots.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @dotsmusic
Instagram: @dot.smusic
Twitter: @DotsATL