A collaboration between Sophia Cruz and Alvin Anthony, Mine is an ultra-modern tale, with detuned swoops and sensitive, tentative 80s synth stabs blended with buzzing bass. It rolls along in a dissonant cloud that shimmers and shimmies with great elan. After a very deliberate false start, with a disconcerting helium-tuned vocal cut, the whole conveys an element of threat and darkness. It’s a little bit Billie Eilish, but with a thicker sound.
The production chops threaten to run away with the whole composition, were it not for the tremendous presence and character of the vocals, which are succulent and thoughtful. They provide a very human connection for the listener. Mainly rhythmic, there are also some super-slick little vocal runs and soulful explorations of melody that have not been auto-tuned (thank goodness, in this instance!) and so retain personality and feel. Amongst the soul and feel on display are some quite Kate Bush-y backing vocal choices, reminiscent of her work with the Trio Bulgarka, which I wasn’t expecting.
‘Gotta have you, And it’s just a matter of time,’ emotes Sophia at one point. I shudder to think how plastic this would sound had it been ‘processed’. As it is, we hear the struggle encapsulated within the performance, and it’s a wonderful thing to behold. ‘You’re mine….’
Exploring themes of obsession and jealousy (and over far too quickly, in my opinion), Mine feels modern and personal and would grace any angsty playlist going. The beautifully-recorded vocals and intricate backing track do a fabulous job of exploring how overwhelming obsession can feel. Love it. It’s a gloopy delight, with a magic vocal.
Stream the single on Spotify. Find & follow Sophia Cruz on Facebook & Instagram.
