There’s a quiet tension at the heart of ‘What Do We Do’ as Scottish duo SIRENS deliver a track that finds its strength in the spaces it leaves open. Comprised of Lindsey Hendry and Marc Thomson, the Stirling and Dundee-based pair continue to refine a sound that feels both intimate and carefully composed.
From the outset, the arrangement prioritises restraint, as the instrumentation is deliberately sparse, allowing each element to settle naturally within the mix. Soft, atmospheric textures drift alongside minimal rhythmic structure, creating a sense of stillness that gives the song room to breathe. It’s a measured approach that avoids overstatement and instead invites us to sit within its mood.
And that mood is defined by contrast. There’s a warmth running through the track, but it’s offset by an underlying sense of uncertainty. The lyrics explore the ambiguity that can exist between people, where closeness and distance are constantly shifting. Rather than resolving that tension, SIRENS allow it to remain, shaping the emotional tone of the piece.
Sonically, the track aligns with a lineage of artists who favour subtlety over scale. The understated delivery recalls the quiet intimacy of The xx, while the soft electronic textures and reflective pacing echo elements found in Men I Trust. There are also shades of Aurora in the way the vocal lines carry both fragility and control. These influences are present, but never overwhelming as SIRENS maintain a clear sense of their own identity throughout.
The track’s origins add another layer to its significance. Written prior to the formal formation of the duo and later developed in collaboration with Headstone and producer Ian Schouten, ‘What Do We Do’ feels foundational, like a point of origin that continues to inform their direction.
What stands out most is the duo’s willingness to hold back. In an environment where immediacy often dominates, SIRENS opt for patience, allowing their ideas to unfold gradually. ‘What Do We Do’ earns its presence quietly, through tone, texture, and a clear understanding of emotional nuance.
