'Breathe' is the leadoff single for the upcoming album Nightbird, Erasure's first album of all new songs in five years. The single is an atypically meditative, down-tempo lead from the duo of Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, but it works and works well. Gorgeous melody, soulful vocals, and trademark synths add up to a new Erasure classic.

There is little new here for Erasure, but that works to their advantage.

Vince Clarke's trademark electronic setting allows Andy Bell's soulful vocals to float in a gorgeous reflective melody. It is hard to get tired of this style of recording when it is simply so beautiful. Lyrically, the song is a rather flimsy mix of conflicting emotions, but listeners will concentrate on Andy Bell's evocative singing of the words 'breathe' and 'believe' instead of actual lyrical content.

Those expecting an up-tempo, flamboyant workout from the duo need only listen to the extended mix by remixing collective LMC to be cheered. A brief spacey intro heads into pure Hi-NRG joy. Club DJs will latch on to this mix quickly.

"Breathe," available January 3 in the U.K. and January 18 in the U.S., is being released in a wide variety of packages. Those of particular note are the U.K. limited edition single, the U.S. maxi single, and the DVD single release.

The U.K. limited edition single includes the LMC mix of "Breathe" as well as another extended mix by frequent Erasure collaborators Manhattan Clique plus an acoustic mix. The most interesting element of this single is the inclusion of computer software that will allow fans to take apart the recording of "Breathe" and create their own remixes. These mixes should be populating the Internet soon.

The U.S. maxi single includes two B-sides, an additional Pete Heller mix, and the video of "Breathe." The DVD release also includes the "Breathe" video, a beautifully shot contemporary re-creation of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Match Girl.

This single is a beautiful lead-in to the upcoming Erasure album release and should whet the public's appetite for a massive Erasure tour beginning this winter that includes the U.K., continental Europe, and North America. Nearly 20 years into their musical collaboration Vince Clarke and Andy Bell continue to create some of the most stunning pop-dance confections around.

Visit Erasure Information Service to listen to sound clips and view the video of "Breathe."

Review provided by Bill Lamb at And We Danced Daily.