DOV’s Brooding and Deeply Resonant Downtempo Pop Song “Reciprocate” Speaks to the Universal Human Need for Genuine Love for a Night or a Lifetime

DOV establishes a deep sense of regret and disaffection on his single “Reciprocate.” The processing on the vocals, provided by London artist Vaughan, gives its almost falsetto tones in the choruses a distorted quality that enhances its message of yearning for real emotional connection in an era when many people pursue their natural sexual impulses through apps and other online avenues and can kind of scroll through a seemingly endless string of people as though choosing something to try out for awhile or just once. The lingering but propulsive bass line, the bell tone arpeggio and shuffling percussion are both brooding and contemplative, giving one a feeling of unease. The accompanying music video, according to the artist, “explores the representation of queer male sexuality in ’80s media through vintage porn and film clips” where even the hint of emotional bonding between people and the sometimes lurid romance of it seems preferable and more real than the even more highly mediated experiences one can have today. Everyone wants to be loved, to feel special even if a relationship isn’t lasting and the song evokes that desire, that need, in a resonant way whether or not the LGBTQ aspect of the video or the song is something that directly correlates to your life. The core humanity of it is universally relatable in a powerful way and this moody, electronic pop song stays with you long after it’s over. Watch the video for “Reciprocate” on YouTube, connect with DOV at the links provided and look out for the five-track It Feels Right EP due out July 24.