The name of Germany Germany’s newest track — “Substance” — might seem ironic at first, since the song’s only lyrics are, “I can’t let you go,” but after a few listens, it becomes clear that the defining substantive elements of Germany Germany are jam-packed into this new track. The song’s minute-and-a-half-long instrumental introduction taps into an earthy serenity, with glimmering guitar and a steady rhythm. At the halfway mark, all instrumentation cuts out for a split second, and then the beat takes off. That brief moment of silence is the crux of the song’s success, and it works like a slingshot: all the noise is pulled back for a quick second and then launched forward with added emotion as Drew Harris repeats “I can’t let you go” over a cosmic soundscape of sparkling guitar. Listen below.

Germany Germany’s self-titled LP is out 10/25. Pre-order it here. The band will play an album release show the night of 10/25 at Lucky Bar in Victoria, BC.