There’s a specific, elusive quality to “Driving Solo”, the latest outing from the Franco American duo Ptelicans that feels less like a calculated industry play and more like a happy accident caught on tape. Comprised of Philly soul powerhouse Nic Hanson and the multi hyphenate producer Pastel, the pair has been steadily building a reputation for music that thrives on “under thinking,” and on this track, that philosophy pays off in dividends.
“Driving Solo” operates in that sweet spot where modern nu-funk meets the kind of warm, organic soul that feels lived in rather than polished to death. It’s a track that wears its influences on its sleeve, think the rhythmic dexterity of Blue Lab Beats or the effortless swagger of Silk Sonic, but it maintains a distinct personality that is unmistakably their own. Hanson’s vocals provide an earthy, visceral anchor, grounded by the kind of emotional directness that has become his signature, while Pastel’s production weaves a tapestry of hazy, cinematic textures and sharp, forward thinking indie sensibilities.
The result is a song that feels like a late night drive with the windows down; it’s sexy without trying, driven by a bassline that doesn’t just sit in the mix, it demands movement. There is a palpable tension between Hanson’s urgent vocal delivery and the atmospheric, echo laden guitars, a push and pull that keeps the track from ever feeling static.
With their debut album, Wasted, looming on the horizon for October 16, “Driving Solo” serves as an ideal teaser. In an era where too much pop music feels obsessed with mechanical perfection.