Almost Sex are Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist Nick Louis and the mysteriously named HW LaSota; an intriguing combo that describe themselves as ‘a folky alternative post-punk rock indie pop duo’. Their bio talks of ‘a chance online encounter, several months of remote collaboration, and one freakin’ epic meeting’, all of which has lead to their first two singles: the understated, infectious pop of September’s Knockoff, and the woozy, insistent, slow groove of latest single, Charmer.
The first thing to say about Charmer is that it’s brilliant. It opens on a bed of what sound like mangled, backwards guitar and synth mixed with meaty bass, over a crisp dry beat. Soon after, the atmospheric backing parts like the sea to reveal Louis’ distinctive vocal. From here on out, the track is a real masterclass of how to build and release tension – with a great, modern production aesthetic and a fluid arrangement that never stays in one place for too long. It’s a sound that’s intoxicatingly sexy and mysterious, and there’s a real ambiguity to the lyrics and vocal that’s heightened by the ethereal backing. Then, just as you think you’ve got a handle on how it’s going to play out, the duo swerve off into a unexpected territory, with a semi-chanted coda that takes the song into another realm completely. It’s utterly inspired, and kind of like going from black and white into colour.
Based on these two singles and nothing else, it’s fair to say that Almost Sex have something special going on. The songwriting is watertight – from LaSota’s intelligent, playful lyrics through to Louis’ delivery, the inventive musicality and arrangements, and the production itself. They’re very much one of those bands that know exactly how to eek out every available piece of the audio spectrum to their advantage too. Put on some headphones, turn your phone right up, press play, close your eyes and you’ll know what I mean.
I stood up & I said yeah 
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