Listening to the new Cate Le Bon single, “Moderation,” creates the sensation of being set adrift. It’s not some gentle flow, though. It’s a smooth yet brisk cascade across waters with sunlight reflecting off it like paparazzi flashbulbs. Le Bon explains that the song is about the “daily dilemma” of tamping down desire, but she doesn’t sound particularly burdened by struggle. She flatly intones, “Moderation/ I can’t have it/ I don’t want it/ I want to touch it” and makes it sound like the most logical sentiment ever uttered. Perhaps a little excess is called for.

Le Bon’s sixth studio album, Pompeii, is scheduled for release in February 2022.