Just a couple of months ago, Alexis Taylor, the co-leader of the influential electronic outfit Hot Chip, released his collaborative solo album Paris In The Spring. For those who may have missed it, the record is an essential listen, showcasing a gorgeous, expansive sound. While the rollout was somewhat marred by the inclusion of AI-generated visuals, the music itself remains a testament to Taylor’s enduring artistry. Hot Chip also recently made headlines with a memorable cameo on the second season of Netflix’s Beef, featuring an enthusiastic Oscar Isaac joining the band on stage.

Now, Taylor is embarking on a fresh creative chapter by joining forces with Mike Simonetti. Known for his work as half of the duo Pale Blue and as the founder of the influential Italians Do It Better label, Simonetti brings a distinct, seasoned perspective to this new collaboration. The pair has announced a new 12″ single, which serves as a promising introduction to their shared musical vision.

While the upcoming 12″ release is currently limited to one new original track, it is set to be a comprehensive package. In addition to the lead single, the release will feature a cover of the Bonnie “Prince” Billy classic “I See A Darkness,” alongside remixes from artists including claire rousay and Black Forces. The original track, titled “Perfect Kiss,” is a compelling piece of music that defies the immediate expectations set by its title. Despite the shared name, it is not a cover of the New Order classic, though it certainly shares some of that legendary group’s DNA.

The song begins with Taylor singing in a soft, tender register over an acoustic guitar, gradually building into a crescendo of dramatic, dancefloor-ready energy. According to the artists, the collaboration was born from a chance meeting at the now-defunct Williamsburg venue Output. Taylor recalls being struck by the re-edits Simonetti was playing during his DJ set, sparking a conversation that eventually led to the studio.

I grew up listening to the radio on drives with my parents, whether it was driving around Bayonne, New Jersey or a trip to the Jersey shore. I was raised on pop music and on the radio. Before even making music with Alexis, we would have little conversations and seem to be on a similar wavelength regarding pop music. He’s kinda around the same age as me, which doesn’t hurt, either. I think you have to be a certain age to appreciate ’80s pop music because it does not exist as we know it today. So the songs that me and Alexis make are definitely going to have a lot of pop elements to them, even though the subject matter might not be stereotypical pop. But that’s the beauty of a good song — hiding darkness behind a pop hook.

The official video for “Perfect Kiss,” which features Taylor, Simonetti, and Pale Blue’s Elizabeth Wight, was directed by Brian Deran and shot on Super 8 film in Los Angeles.

The “I See A Darkness” b/w “Perfect Kiss” single is scheduled for release on June 12 via Smugglers Way.