House heads rejoice! Berlin house favorite Claptone has announced his highly anticipated debut album, Charmer, releasing one of its singles a couple months early. The man behind the golden mask has served up “Puppet Theatre,” offering a taste of the soul-tinged house that’s become synonymous with his eccentric stage persona.
The track begins with a dissonant piano melody before the delicate harmonies of vocalists Peter, Bjorn and John kick in, setting a dark ambience. Between contemplative lyrics, rich instrumental samples and minimal synth work, the single maintains a promising degree of crossover potential without being a complete bastardization of proper house music.
What’s more, it makes for a perfect means of promoting Claptone’s first album. With its official release slated for October 16th, Charmer will feature a much broader range of collaborators such as Nathan Nicholson of The Boxer Rebellion, Jimi Tenor, Young Galaxy, Jay-Jay Johanson and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (although the latter of whom makes for a confusing “featured” line at the end of the track name).
Give “Puppet Theatre” a listen above, and check out the official tracklist for Claptone‘s debut album, Charmer, below.
1. In The Beginning ft. Nathan Nicholson
2. The Only Thing
3. Dear Life ft. Jaw
4. Heartbeat ft. Nathan Nicholson
5. Puppet Theatre ft. Peter, Bjorn and John
6. Leave Your Light On ft. Young Galaxy
7. The Music Got Me
8. Anything ft. Jaw
9. Party Girl ft. Jimi Tenor
10. Your Body (In The Rain) ft. Bavanandan
11. No Eyes ft. Jaw
12. Ghost ft. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
13. I Write Your Name ft. Jay Jay Johanson