Every city has a certain flavour, a certain atmosphere, and Montreal is no different.
A creative hub, it's current rejuvenation sits alongside the decline of heavy industry in the 80s and 90s – as the factories closed, it's post-industrial landscape was re-invented by those on the ground.
The Beat Escape came of age in this era, two musicians drawn to stark post-punk sounds but allied to an off kilter pop nous.
Snapped up by Bella Union – the latest product of that label's Montreal love affair – the duo will release their debut 12 inch next month, and Clash is able to premiere new cut 'Half Empty Happiness'.
The chugging electronics feel as if they will collapse inwards at any moment, with The Beat Escape recalling early OMD, or even New Order's first few studio sessions.
Yet there's also a hidden warmth, with the vocals tumbling over one another – 'Half Empty Happiness' is still a form of happiness, after all.
Tune in now.