London based musician Olina makes a powerful return with her latest single, “Newspaper Smell,” a poignant track that merges raw indie rock with sharp, narrative driven lyricism. The song delves into the challenging journey of navigating new cultural landscapes and socio-economic divides. Drawing from her own experiences of moving from Greece to the UK, Olina explores the feelings of being an outsider, the struggles of low wage work, and the unsettling friction between different social classes. The track is fueled by a particular memory of working at a high society event, where she confronted the stark realities of privilege and felt her own sense of self worth questioned. This personal tension becomes the song’s driving, urgent core.
London based musician Olina makes a powerful return with her latest single, “Newspaper Smell,” a poignant track that merges raw indie rock with sharp, narrative driven lyricism. The song delves into the challenging journey of navigating new cultural landscapes and socio economic divides. Drawing from her own experiences of moving from Greece to the UK, Olina explores the feelings of being an outsider, the struggles of low wage work, and the unsettling friction between different social classes. The track is fueled by a particular memory of working at a high society event, where she confronted the stark realities of privilege and felt her own sense of self-worth questioned. This personal tension becomes the song’s driving, urgent core.
From its opening line, “Newspaper Smell” immediately establishes a tone of disquiet and displacement. Yet, this feeling of alienation is balanced by an undercurrent of quiet strength. Olina’s vocals are incredibly dynamic, shifting fluidly between moments of hushed introspection and explosive, soaring defiance. This contrast is mirrored in the song’s musical arrangement, which builds from restrained verses into powerful, cathartic crescendos. The track’s instrumentation is rich and layered, featuring driving guitar work, propulsive drums, and an unexpected, dramatic string section that adds a cinematic quality. This sonic tapestry creates a sense of both chaos and control, reflecting the internal conflict within the lyrics.
The accompanying music video complements the song’s tone with a blend of gritty realism and surreal humor. Shot with a charming, DIY aesthetic, the video captures the spirit of the track by juxtaposing mundane settings with moments of dreamlike absurdity. Through “Newspaper Smell,” Olina demonstrates a masterful ability to transform personal hardship into a universally resonant piece of art, solidifying her place as a compelling and unique voice in the indie rock scene.
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