Haunting and Heartbreaking: New York Dream Pop Duo Coatie Pop Reach Into the Ether in “Embody”

Coatie Pop‘s 2022 debut Deathbed remains a stunning mix of trip hop sensuality, bass-driven distortion, and powerful, cutting ethereal vocals. It placed extremely high on my personal best-of list, and was, with no hyperbole, all I wanted to listen to as the year came to a close. Comprised of partners Courtney and Robert Watkins – Coatie Pop tap into the wistful energy of The Sundays and the sensuality of HTRK while simultaneous channeling the bass and drum machine-driven gloom of Pink Industry, the secrets and shadows of the Twin Peaks roadhouse, and furious electronic spark of Invisible Limits. Despite any familiar touchstones, the duo remain one of the absolute freshest and most dynamic projects in the modern scene. We’ve been anxiously awaiting their next release, and with that in mind, we’re honored to premiere the latest single from the New York-based duo, titled “Embody,” which will be featured on their upcoming sophomore LP.

The video, shot by Bryce Riedesel, evokes the perfect gothic ghost story, shot in an old, dimly lit mansion and featuring a series of unsettling characters. Mr. Watkins often can be spotted ominously plucking is trademark bass guitar while Mrs. Watkins’ roots in dance throw shapes and shadows across the dark and dusty decor. There’s a deeply haunting undercurrent throughout the video that is reflected perfectly in the song, which contrary to some of the band’s previous barn burner singles, is a more understated and heartbreaking affair. The track, which features some carefully strummed acoustic guitars, devastating drum patterns, and echo-dripping vocals, would fit right at home on an early Projekt Records compilation or a lovelorn mixtape from a forgotten era. Yet again, Coatie Pop offer up a stunningly fresh track that put them miles ahead of the modern pack.

Courtney Watkins offers a few words on the video and the history and significance of the location: