Sway

Released in early 2015, Sway served as the breakout EP for the Philadelphia-based duo Marian Hill. Comprising producer Jeremy Lloyd and vocalist Samantha Gongol, the pair established a unique sonic identity by blending the structural elements of jazz with the minimalist aesthetics of modern electronic music. The EP features their most recognizable early work, including 'Got It' and 'One Time,' which showcased their signature use of vocal manipulation as a rhythmic instrument. The recording is characterized by its extreme use of negative space; Lloyd's production often removes the melodic safety nets typical of pop, leaving Gongol's vocals to interact directly with heavy sub-bass and Steve Davit's live saxophone contributions. This contrast between the organic brass and the digital grid became their calling card. Critically, the EP was praised for its sophisticated restraint and helped define a 'sultry-minimalist' trend in mid-2010s electronic pop, eventually leading to significant commercial sync placements.