London duo Apple Eyes turn life’s unpredictable twists and turns into something warm, uplifting and quietly hypnotic on “Be.” Released in August 2026, the single combines synth-driven pop with a gentle nostalgic glow, creating a sound that feels both contemporary and comfortably familiar. Behind it all is the creative partnership of Claire Hadidjenar and Matthew Walker, who handle the songwriting, performances and production themselves.
The track opens with shaky percussion and engaging, steady-paced thumping beats, establishing a relaxed pulse that carries the song forward without ever becoming overwhelming. Synth textures shimmer around the rhythm while the melody flows and pulsates with an almost weightless quality. Claire’s high, husky voice floats gracefully over the arrangement, delivering the lyrics gently and giving the song an intimate emotional centre.
Lyrically, “Be” looks at the unpredictability of life, embracing its twists and turns rather than trying to force everything into a neat pattern. That thoughtful perspective sits nicely alongside the song’s brighter musical character.
The track also carries a charming personal story. Written shortly after Claire and Matthew adopted their cat Lucille, the song was recorded entirely in their London home studio, with the duo playing every instrument themselves. They even created a custom synthesiser plug-in named after Lucille specifically for the recording, a wonderfully eccentric touch that underlines how hands-on their creative process is.
Influences from Phoenix, Air, Daft Punk, Bat for Lashes and Of Montreal can be felt in the electronic textures and melodic sensibility, but Apple Eyes shape those ingredients into something distinctly their own. “Be” ultimately feels like a gentle reminder to stay open to life’s strange turns—a softly glowing piece of synth-pop that floats along, one pulse at a time.
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Review by: Naomi Joan