Some songs feel engineered for maximum impact. Others simply glide. Ptelicans‘ new single “Driving Solo” belongs firmly in the latter category, relying on groove, chemistry and understated confidence rather than unnecessary excess.
The London-based duo, made up of Philadelphia vocalist Nic Hanson and French producer Pastel, have built their collaboration around instinct instead of calculation. That approach is immediately apparent on “Driving Solo,” a track that never sounds like it’s trying too hard to impress. Instead, it lets its bassline, tight rhythms and soulful melodies do the heavy lifting.
The title hints at solitude, but the song never feels lonely. Instead, it embraces the freedom that comes with moving at your own pace. Whether it’s interpreted as a late-night drive, a fresh start or simply enjoying your own company, “Driving Solo” carries an easy sense of self-assurance that makes it instantly inviting.
Musically, the duo draw from a rich palette of influences without becoming tied to any one era. There are flashes of classic funk, silky neo-soul and modern indie production throughout, recalling artists such as Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic and Blue Lab Beats while maintaining a personality that feels distinctly their own. The result is polished but never clinical, nostalgic without sounding like imitation.
Much of that comes down to the partnership itself. Nic Hanson’s warm, expressive vocal sits naturally within Pastel’s textured production, creating a conversation rather than a showcase. Neither artist dominates the other. Instead, they leave room for the groove to breathe, allowing each element to settle exactly where it needs to.
That sense of restraint becomes one of the song’s greatest strengths. Rather than building towards an oversized chorus or dramatic drop, “Driving Solo” trusts repetition, feel and subtle variation. It understands that the most memorable hooks are sometimes the ones that arrive without announcing themselves.
The duo have described their creative process as one of “under-thinking”, prioritising instinct over perfectionism, and the track captures that philosophy beautifully. Nothing feels forced or overworked. There is an organic looseness running through the arrangement that gives the impression of two musicians enjoying the process as much as the finished product.
As the latest preview of their forthcoming debut album Wasted, arriving this October, “Driving Solo” offers a compelling glimpse into Ptelicans’ musical world. It is a world built on feel rather than formula, where soulful songwriting and impeccable musicianship come together with remarkable ease.
Sometimes the best songs are the ones that don’t demand your attention but quietly earn it. “Driving Solo” is exactly that kind of record, effortlessly stylish, endlessly replayable and impossible not to move to.
