Real name Hugo Manuel, Chad Valley has been on our radar for some time. Synth heavy R&B jams with an aching heart, the Oxford producer's sound - somewhere between the New Jack Swing movement and 80s pop - has seen Manuel craft a reputation on both sides of the Atlantic.
Late last year Chad Valley finally dropped his debut album. 'Young Hunger' contains some sublime highs, not least a full blown collaboration with Twin Shadow. 'I Owe You This' is all hazy synths and loose limbed beats, wrapping themselves in a melancholic, nostalgic atmosphere.
The track has gained an official video, which seems to mirror some of the youthful debauchery and aching nostalgia on display in the music.
Following a gang of friends on their nighttime exploits, the group break into a deserted bowling alley before indulging in some youthful antics. Beautifully shot, the whole thing is endowed with an almost painful sense of innocence which matches the gauzy, sunset feel of the music...
Twin Shadow sings as bowling balls levitate
Chad Valley's "I Owe You This" featuring Twin Shadow sounds like it was stolen off of a forgotten '80s teen movie soundtrack, and the music video paranormally enhances that vibe. The clip follows a handsome crew of teenagers as they break into a bowling alley after hours to engage in some hijinks: dancing, kissing, dog-piling, the usual. Things get weird when we discover the teens are probably the adolescent cousins of M83's freaky Children of the Corn-esque video triology kids, all glowing orange eyes and windswept hair. Joining hands in a power circle, the gang harness their telekinetic powers to levitate bowling balls and pins around the alley. It's like Project X meets The Craft meets that ridiculous dance scene from The Breakfast Club.
