Arlo Parks, in anticipation of her upcoming sophomore LP titled My Soft Machine, has unveiled a new single called “Devotion,” accompanied by a captivating music video. Set to release on May 26 via Transgressive Records, the track serves as the final preview of the album.
In a statement, Parks described “Devotion” as a song that explores the intense experience of being deeply in love, to the point where it feels like being torn apart. She expressed her fondness for the track, citing various bands from the ’90s, including Deftones, Yo La Tengo, Smashing Pumpkins, and My Bloody Valentine, as sources of inspiration for her music.
Directed by Ali Raymond and Joel Barney, the official music video for “Devotion” captures Parks and her band confined within the walls of an elevator as they deliver a captivating performance. Parks aimed to infuse the video with a sweaty, nostalgic, and uninhibited atmosphere, paying homage to ’90s rock music and the overwhelming feeling of love that can have destructive consequences.
My Soft Machine follows Parks’ debut album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, which won the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2021. Recorded between London and Los Angeles, the upcoming album boasts a roster of accomplished producers, including Paul Epworth, Ariel Rechtshaid, Romil Hemnani, Buddy Ross, Carter Lang, and Parks herself, who took on the role of self-production for some tracks.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Parks discussed her new music and emphasized her desire to convey her own personal experiences. She wanted to move away from attributing emotions to fictional characters or individuals in her life and instead showcase her perspective on the world, highlighting the range of emotions she experiences and the genuine expression of her own feelings.
Earlier this month, Parks released a music video for her collaborative track “Pegasus” with Phoebe Bridgers, further building anticipation for her upcoming album and solidifying her place as an emerging talent in the music industry.