The High Plains Drifters “Until We Dance”

Distance. One word that strikes fear into the hearts of lovers everywhere. In “Until We Dance,” Studnicky’s plain spoken, whiskeyed vocals convey a deep longing for connection, yet the object of this narrator’s affection feels so far away, keeping him “at arm’s length,” acting as if she doesn’t want anything more. Gently layering warm synths, a never-leaves-your-head melody, bright harmonies, and laid-back percussion, “Until We Dance” could easily soundtrack Rom-Com movie scenes where the love interest tries to cheer up the main character by doing something so unbelievably goofy that they can’t help but break into a smile. This track evokes that same feeling of lightening up, of beckoning a hand and saying, “come on, you know you want to.” A youthful, anticipatory anxiety—a swirling hurricane, a deep pit in the stomach—buzzes through each note. One dance has the power to change everything for the better. All the narrator can do is hold on to the hope that all the right ingredients—her favorite song, a warm summer night, a welcoming smile—will be just enough to bring her right back where she belongs, this time for good.

The complementary visual for “Until We Dance” takes the exuberant, staticky, buoyant feeling of impending romance and plunges it straight into the band’s sexy, funny, highly curated, and effortlessly indulgent cinematic universe. This ‘Summer Girl”-turned-Cinderella is preparing for a night out, caught up in the familiar thrill of getting ready for a long night of shedding inhibitions on the dance floor. When she accidentally kicks off her heel attempting a super-endearing dance move, it goes flying—literally—sending her on a journey to find it, and perhaps, a bit more? After all, Cinderella taught young lovers everywhere that this is the surefire, time-tested way to find Prince Charming. It’s the perfect excuse to stop overthinking and simply lose oneself in the silliness of the moment—to sing along, root for romance, and dance without hesitation. Romance in its purest form—just two people longing to bridge the divide, sparks flying as they inch closer and closer—is far from dead. All it takes is the right attitude, a pocketful of perseverance, and a few dance moves that are truly impossible to resist.