‘Somebody I used to know’ starts with simple rhythms and hushed vocals, but unfolds with layers of synths and a high pitch voice that reminded me Peter Gabriel or someone who was singing in the 80s,… may be the male-female duo could even go into Kate Bush-Gabriel territory.
This hit single (featuring New Zealand’s Kimbra) is an angry-looking-for revenge song about an ex-lover (which shares its title and theme with an Elliott Smith's song) and the creative video shows Gotye progressively melting into the background.
The Belgian-Australian multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, whose real name is Wouter De Backer, has already released three studio albums independently, has won an ARIA Award and received a nomination for an MTV EMA for Best Asia and Pacific Act.
Almost unknown in the US not so long ago, he has just announced a show at the El Rey theater, here in Los Angeles in February, after his sold out show at the Satellite last month. And if you wonder about his strange moniker, just pronounce it like the French designer, Gaultier!