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 LookText Aimee 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.TrendingNothing launches ‘Club Nothing’ nightlife series with a global fundAlongside its new global dance music event series, Nothing is awarding four independent creatives $10,000 each through the Club Nothing Fund to bring their biggest club nights, event series or festivals to lifeMusicBeauty10 of the hottest Instagram accounts fusing art, sex and eroticaPull&BearFashionSongs Worth Reading: Sophia Stel and PULL&BEAR find dark academia in ParisDazed LeagueInside an intimate soccer watch party in New YorkBeauty‘I trust my own body’: The rise of the unquantified self MusicDaughter From Hell: The 5 best tracks on Gracie Abrams’ new albumLife & CultureWhy the smartest person you know is watching Love IslandLife & CultureIs this the most corrupt World Cup ever?FashionThese photos capture clandestine moments at iconic fashion showsEscape 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