Seasons are changing, and the crisp air of fall is taking hold. This time tends to be a time of deep reflection for some, a moment of somberness for processing. What better way to process than with songs that get deep and emotional, all with relatable lyricism? That’s what all of the following tracks have in common.
katie MAC – hate myself
‘hate myself’ plays with a hyperpop basis but a more pulled-back tempo than much of modern hyperpop and katie MAC’s prior work. It stands out, as though it is a bit pulled back; there’s a lot of energy. On the other side, it provides a perfect backdrop for emotional lyricism with glitchy vocals. In addition, the hook in the chorus is super catchy and gives a reason to come back for further listens. The lyrics are relatable and raw, and they capture the feeling of being in a relationship that brings out the worst and builds into self-hatred. It feels honest and from the heart, and it captures an experience that many listeners have also been through themselves.
Muo Duo – Exciting Times
‘Exciting Times’ is a growly indie track with a whole lot of buzz and grit. One thing about this track is that it plays well with its buzz. The brighter tones in the buzzy edit of the vocals don’t clash with those of the deeper bass tones. Then, the guitars and synths play with a bit of slap and punchiness to them. It’s so cohesive and feels well thought out on how each different aspect of the music was produced. This all builds into a track of high-octane excitement. This track comes across as both a party and a mental health anthem. It seems to be about living the exciting and boisterous nightlife, but also experiencing love within it. This gets into feelings of brokenness, allure to another, seeing someone lose parts of themself, and faded memories.
B.Miles – Five Alarm
‘Five Alarm’ is atmospheric synthy indie pop with a somber vibe and haunting undertones. The deep bass synths flow along smoothly with a laid-back tempo with soft and unique percussion. To build on things, some washed-out guitar lines and synths with a bit of a glitchy sound cut in and out. This track has such a full range, but the pacing of it is perfect to connect listeners to the deep and introspective lyricism, all delivered with vocals that have a soft beauty. These lyrics tell a tale of passionate love and connection. But on a deeper note, it’s about passionate love burning out. A “five alarm” is considered to be an alarm that goes off during a severe fire in a building. By using this idea in the track, it touches on the heat of passionate love while getting into how, though it burns hot, it can destroy.
Chloë Wilson – Shades Of Blue
What “Shades Of Blue” really stands out for is how it switches its vibe up. It starts with a soft piano ballad, led by full alto vocals. Then, the energy of the track slowly rises and introduces a bass, be the tempo stays pulled back. Then there’s a quick build and a hit. Pulsating synths enter with electric percussion that seems to float around in the stereo. While this happens, the vocals pick up in their power, belted tones standing out strongly. It’s a bit 80s, but there’s a modern twang that makes it fresh. This track is about loving someone and making them a “lifeline” while personally struggling. But it evolves into a tale of blame for another when someone is walked away from and is left alone. It’s a deep tale of hurt, and the emotion resounds through the whole piece.
Metro 2-3 – Bleeding Soul
‘Bleeding Soul’ is a rap piece that works with an atmospheric opening instrumentation that’s brought to life with some trap drums that add tempo. Some synth sounds make use of reverb, pulsation, and a flow that makes them seem to slowly fade in and out of the piece. While this happens, some piano chords and lines move along to add a dash of melancholy. Lyrically, it’s about going through a fallout in a relationship. It touches on personal struggles, struggling to find forgiveness, facing personal demons, developing drinking habits, and, in general, a “bleeding soul”. This builds into a narrative of having to walk away from another due to being wronged.
katie MAC – Screen
‘Screen’ plays into the same melancholic hyperpop sound that ‘hate myself’ does, but it’s even more pulled back. The vocals in this track use a vocoder, but the instrumentation plays along with the lyrics, following their rhythm and pacing. That being said, there are some sections with some ethereal synths layered over to add brighter tones. The chorus in this track is unique. It’s very screamy, and the use of the vocoder and several vocal layers gives it a bit of a jarring punch (that works). This track is about feeling left behind, scrolling through social media, and seeing the highlights of an ex’s life. It’s about a yearning and pain as tainted memories are brought to the forefront.
Written by Sage Plapp
Cover image by Arnesh Yadram
