Music / First LookWatch 18+'s blurry chopped-up video for CrowThe US duo come out of the shadows (slightly) in flickering monochrome – with an emoji winkShareLink copied ✔️August 12, 2014MusicFirst LookTextAimee Cliff American duo 18+ are making their label debut with the release of a double single on Fabric offshoot Houndstooth, but they’ve been low-key establishing a fanatic following for years now with the self-release of M1xtape, Mixta2e and Mixtap3. Lead track “Crow” is a world of its own: a highlight from Mixtap3, it’s gothic R&B made with a sparse post-internet aesthetic. What forms the crux of the faceless pair’s appeal, though, is the wry smile it’s served with. You might think you imagined lines like “dat ass go in circles” and “weed makes her cry” floating around in the stony-faced downtempo croon, but you can’t put it past these two, whose output is full of sordid, dry humour. If anything, their brand new video only emphasises that knowingness that runs through earlier 18+ visuals – such as “Rebirth”, which repurposes Lana Del Rey and A$AP Rocky’s “repurposed” "National Anthem" video – with touches like a Youtube pre-roll ad embedded in the actual video, an emoji winking over the grim refrain “pretend that you’re happy” and a minute of silence lingering after the music abruptly drops off, giving you time to decide whether you need to laugh, cry or reblog it first. Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.READ MOREThe rise of EsDeeKid in 5 tracksWatch: Oklou on favourite films, parenthood, and how to say her name Reebok Your favourite Reeboks are getting a makeoverA starter pack guide to the lore of 2hollis‘The internet was a bad parent to me’: 2hollis and Arca in conversation6 times Lil Uzi Vert pushed rap forwardLil Uzi Vert: ‘Everything’s too goth, we need more steampunk’fakemink 101: The rise of ‘London’s saviour’ in numbers5 of the best Oklou collabs, ranked‘Alt girls get their flowers’: Oklou and PinkPantheress go head-to-headWatch: fakemink on lust, obsessive fans and his new album, Terrifiedfakemink: ‘I’m the Eminem of the UK underground’Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy