Clean Bandit teams up with Mabel for new single ‘Tick Tock’
Clean Bandit has gathered a long list of high profile collaborations throughout the years. The UK trio had their breakthrough with ‘Rather Be’ featuring the then virtually unknown Jess Glynne and recorded tracks with artists like Sean Peal, Anne-Marie, Demi Lovato, Zara Larsson and Marina. Clean Bandit dropped their second studio album What Is Love? in the fall of 2018 and now drop new music for the first time since then. Their new single is called ‘Tick Tock’ and features vocals by Mabel and a rap by 24kGolden.

‘Tick Tock’ is exactly what you would expect a Clean Bandit and Mabel collaboration to be: a very radio friendly bop. In terms of rhythm it is not unlike Mabel’s biggest hits like ‘Don’t Call Me Up’ and ‘Mad Love’ and the instrumentation serves Clean Bandit by the numbers. There is a poppy production based on light beats, topped off with prominent strings. The hooks are absolutely there and the little switch up in the middle-eight is very welcome. 24kGolden’s rap in the second verse flows nicely with the tune of the track. ‘Tick Tock’ is a certified bop and will probably be a hit. It is serviceable as a little late summer treat, but at the same time it is more of the same and a little too much on the safe side for both Clean Bandit and Mabel.