Alternative pop of a bright and distinct nature – a lyrical openness that’s relatable, and a production that refuses to adhere to a single standard genre rule. Vituia gets playful, honest, and contemplative, for The Coolest.
Built around a sort of neo-classical, electro-pop arrangement that’s all at once calming and complex, The Coolest presents us with an initial sense of both intimacy and vastness – the arena-ready energy and the quiet thoughtfulness, carefully intertwined.
Then we get this leading voice, soaked in effects for that canned, retro-pop vibe, but also genuine and distinct in tone, character, and even accent. It’s an unusual pairing of traits, and it helps the boldness of the lyrics and their increasing revelations connect in a way that holds attention well.
We rise up from this nostalgic reflection on the past, the observing of a significant other or a person of romantic interest. The story walks us through these scenes, with references to having first thought someone was gay, evolving towards the current days of them being married, and even our protagonist wishing they were dead. It’s a sincere and fearless degree of vulnerability, and the voice seems both genuine and rather shy in its delivery of this – the performance tentative, uncertain and melancholic, but the effects seeking to provide some sort of buffer or cushion for the fall.
A brilliantly original style, a compelling listen, from an artist whose sound and writing approach will no doubt ring loud with equal parts humanity and artistic freedom as the repertoire continues to grow.
Check out more music from Vituia.
