Clean Bandit's "Rather Be" brings string instruments into dance music

The United Kingdom has been experiencing a surge in amazing artists and music. After Disclosure blew up mid-2013, many similar musicians found a clear path to eager listeners laid out in front of them. It also helps that the world is steadily realizing that cookie-cutter electronic music just doesn't cut it anymore. Yes, big name festivals with DJ Mag Top 100 headliners are still in high demand, but even those festivals are becoming more receptive to the underground scenes of electronic and intelligent dance music (shout out to Zedd for the hate). Whatever you want to call it, the music is beautiful and finally gaining the recognition it deserves.

In that category is the latest release from British four-piece band, Clean Bandit, named "Rather Be". The tune was co-written by Jimmy Napes who played a big role in Disclosure's "Latch". Singing on the track is UK newcomer Jess Glynne, a true talent with an amazing voice. "Rather Be" opens up with an uplifting violin riff before going into the vocal track combined with an animated, muted 8-bit xylophone and rounded-out rolling house rhythm. It pays unofficial homage to 90s' television shows about rambunctious talking infants and master violinists of orchestras past; a strange combination that absolutely works in their favor.

Clean Bandit are releasing a full-length studio album sometime this year, but you can grab "Rather Be" on January 19th.