Today the Paul Institute has delivered two new releases from Fabiana Palladino and Ruthven. Early access to stream, download and pre-order on 7” vinyl is at paul.institute, where the shop is open for 24 hours.
These two artists return on impressive form for the 4th and 5th releases from the Institute, maintaining its status as a home for classic song-writing and musicianship, paired with distinguishing production. The B-sides of the vinyl pressings will feature instrumental versions.
PAULINST0004S – Fabiana Palladino – ‘Shimmer’
Londoner Fabiana Palladino returns to follow up 2017’s celestial collaboration with Jai Paul, ‘Mystery’. A singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Palladino has worked alongside artists such as Sampha, Jessie Ware, SBTRKT and The Maccabees.
‘Shimmer’, her first self-produced track, is an anthem written for anyone who feels like they’re being underestimated – a reminder to stand up for yourself! With heavy percussion channelling Sheila E and a subtle mysticism influenced by the likes of Kate Bush, Shimmer creates a unique feminine power of its own.
PAULINST0007S – Ruthven – ‘Hypothalamus’
Ruthven also returns following last year’s heavyweight funk jam ‘Evil’. ‘Hypothalamus’ is an epic and impassioned song about an impending break-up, the title refers to the part of the brain that acts as the body’s thermostat – signalling to sweat when it’s hot and shiver when it’s cold. Being a professional firefighter, Ruthven learnt about this during a first aid course on the job and uses it in the song as a metaphor for the physical impact of heartbreak.
The production, which features brooding synth riffs and an altitudinous electric guitar solo from A. K. Paul, ends up having enough heat – and cool – to keep your hypothalamus in overdrive.
Stream / purchase Fabiana Palladino – ‘Shimmer’ here.
Stream / purchase Ruthven – ‘Hypothalamus’ here.