Despite being around for almost five years, Berlin-via-Sweden quintet TULA only have a handful of tracks to their name, including a “Wicked Game” cover that picked up some well-deserved attention last year. It’s easy to imagine the long time period between their formation and now as a series of meetings with different producers, working to develop their sound until it was exactly where they wanted it to be. Because, damn, “River” is an impeccably crafted pop song, one that arrives fully formed and points to years of practice and refinement. And it comes with a good pedigree, too. The track was produced by Klas Åhlund — best known for his extensive work with Robyn on the Body Talk series and her 2005 self-titled — and it has the sheen of his expertise. “River” is a powerhouse, gradually building to a cascading rainbow of a finish, pushed along by breathy exhalations that keep pace with your heartbeat. It’s a confident, polished, and epic track, filled with beautiful imagery and a towering sense of scale. “And the river comes and takes me,” goes the chorus, and it’s hard not to get swept up along with them. Listen below.

Tour Dates:
03/07 Berlin, Germany @ Auster Club
03/10 Paris, France @ Monsigneur
03/12 London, UK @ The Stillery
03/15 Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Sugar Factory
03/17 Copenhagen, Denmark @ Ideal Bar
03/18 Stockholm, Sweden @ Obaren

The “River” single is out 3/13.

[Photo by Melanie Magassa.]