Arizona trio Mute Swan made their Hit the North label debut at the end of October with “Hypnosis Tapes,” a hypnagogic take on dream pop that feels distinctly modern in its lineage from 2010s icons like The Radio Dept., James Ferraro, or George Clanton. Today they’re following that track up with a collaborative single alongside fellow Copper State shoegazers Citrus Clouds that balances those influences against something a little more classical: “Cocteau Swans” opens with harsh synths before a dense, soothing soundbed kicks in, which pays homage to the track’s namesake.
“This song is an homage to one of our favorite bands, Cocteau Twins,” vocalist/guitarist Mike Barnett confirms before introducing the recording’s stand-in for the inimitable Elizabeth Fraser. “We were very lucky to have our friend Stacie Huttleston from Citrus Clouds sing the backing vocal part, which we recorded at their practice space in Phoenix.”
Check out the tune below, and expect more from Mute Swan in 2026.
