This Is Our Jam: Chairlift, “Met Before”

Brooklyn indie-pop act Chairlift have had an unusual trajectory. Their biggest hit so far (not likely to ever be supplanted) is “Bruises,” a pop gem as shiny as the iPods whose ad it was paired with. This was back in 2008, after which the band proceeded to shift line-ups multiple times, most recently with Aaron Pfenning’s departure in favor of solo venture Rewards. Despite the volatility, Chairlift have continued touring and recording, and with “Met Before,” we see their tenacity paying off hugely.

“Met Before” plays both to Caroline Polachek’s strength as a vocalist and Patrick Wimberly’s uncanny ability to create beautiful pop arrangements. In no way does “Met Before” sound like the work of a duo, with its anthemic chorus and glittery synthpop as lush as any full band. It’s a massive tune, comparable in scale to the world-expanding music of M83, and like that band, could be seen as an ode to the John Hughes romanticism of the '80s. Quite simply, “Met Before” is one of the best tracks to emerge from Chairlift in any of their iterations, and a testament to the their unstoppable volition.