On "Up," Danger Mouse and Black Thought reconnect with the kind of chemistry that sounds effortless and thrilling, after all these years. No one else opens rhythms quite like him, a testament to the fact that some duos don't just make music together, but they create moments. This new single is the first hint of an exciting new chapter for the duo, who are already two albums deep.
Production from Danger Mouse is cinematic from the start, complete and complex, yet never claustrophobic, every snare hit and bassline has room to breathe with purpose. There's a depth here, a force that only comes from two artists utterly in command of their art. Never one to be outdone in the lyrical barbershop, Black Thought pounces on it with bars that slice through the fog. His flow remains as articulate and commanding as ever.
It features Rag'n'Bone Man's soulful, gravelly voice, which lends the song a great deal of emotional depth. His voice straddles the doctrines of hip-hop and blues, anchoring the song in something rawly human as Black Thought's verses grope for what's spiritual.
'Up' is a declaration of intent. It is the sound of two titans stretching their creative limbs, intimating something even grander just down ahead. Even if fans are left waiting to hear the word on that second collaboration album, this single is a standalone monster cut full of evidence that Danger Mouse and Black Thought continue to operate miles ahead of the game.