Critically-acclaimed electronic duo Weval (AKA Harm Coolen and Merijn Scholte Albers) share their new single “Everything Went Well” taken from their long-awaited new album ‘Remember’, out 3rd March on Ninja Tune imprint Technicolour.
The album sees the electronic duo embark on a high-energy journey of nostalgically warped memories and euphoric emotions, reminiscing on their own musical journey while reflecting on key influences and inspiration over the years.
Speaking more on “Everything Went Well”, Weval commented, “The groove was made in a holiday house in Germany where we made three ideas that ended on the record. Harm was improvising on this track after a weekend he went back to the place where he grew up. This led him to get really strong memories of the past, which led to these lyrics and vocals.”
The EP ‘Remember’ plays around with memory and its ability to distort. As Weval elaborates, “Time is constantly escaping you and when you look back, memories distort – sometimes negatively, sometimes fake, sometimes euphoric and romanticized.” This central theme is explored in sonic contrasts as Weval employs heavily contorted beats with the potential to destroy speakers, only to be salvaged from the brink of collapse by melodically hopeful chords.
Their new bombastic sound came as a result of new songwriting methods that saw Weval mashing together seemingly disparate ideas that held completely different lives and energies. Elements of pop, dance, and every genre in between are thrown in and whittled down to make their most intense, spontaneous, and substantial work to date.
The upcoming album follows on from the 2022 singles “Never Stay For Love“, featuring Dutch singer-songwriter Eefje de Visser, and “Forever”. Both tracks offered early previews to ‘Remember’, leaning on highly textured, driving and sophisticated electronica which the duo have become widely known for.
Weval are well known amongst peers and critics for their beautifully composed melodies and songwriting. Previous press coverage includes impressive support from Pitchfork, Billboard, Resident Advisor, DJ Mag, Mixmag and more. Their music has been featured in hit TV shows like the Good Girls and the Emmy-winning show I May Destroy You.
First meeting in 2010, Harm and Merijn formed their formidable creative alliance back in 2012 when they were both working in film–when Harm brought Merijn on board to assist with a music video for some friends in a band. They began experimenting together, enjoying the music production more than the film editing. Neither had the experience making music before forming Weval, so they have evolved organically together for the entire 9-year duration of their partnership. It’s an ongoing project that evolves naturally, each new release a learning experience that feeds back into their creative output.