ATHANASIA gets real on her expressive new single, "Pretend"
Review by Austin Sher
Sydney’s own, ATHANASIA, has officially released yet another stellar single in 2020, titled “Pretend”. Do yourselves a favor and please read along for our full review of the track, in addition to her artist profile and background on the song.
ATHANASIA is currently an emerging artist from Sydney, who is blending sultry soul with alternative pop creating sounds for the senses. Fusing harmonies with electronica, she creates both upbeat dance tracks and transporting ballads. Having an elemental affinity with music, listeners quickly identify her movement through genres, unrestrained by conformity. Her distinctive vocal tone, melancholic and sonorous, captures both the hearts and souls of those who listen. She has been compared to the likes of Amy Winehouse, Billie Eilish, Joy Crookes and Adele. Currently, she is completing her Bachelor of Music at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, learning practical industry skills to accompany her talents.
When listening to "Pretend", you’ll be able to hear the artist exploring the themes and personal experiences with anxiety and dissociation. According to the artist, “I describe dissociation like being in an abstract dream, but you’re watching yourself in 3rd person”. While we’ve never experienced something like that, it does sound quite terrifying, however it is definitely a topic less discussed within the musical landscape.
Moving to our impressions of the music, we were absolutely taken aback after our first listen. While this was our first foray into the music of ATHANASIA, it definitely will not be our last. This song is 100% a winner in our eyes. Citing her influences as Billie Eilish and Adele, we heard those come through within “Pretend”, however the artist put her own spin on things to really make it come into her own.
While her vocals are the star of the show here by far, we have to give credit to the extremely high production on the track as well. From the subtle finger picking guitar layered in the background, to the slight vocal effects that wave in and out from start to finish, this song isn’t just a straightforward alternative pop track, it’s something special.
I hope we’ve made it clear enough for the reader that is a song and an artist worth keeping an extra close eye on. We really do feel that she’s managed to take a genre that isn’t mixing it up enough and put her own unique and original spin on things. After digging into the back discography as well, we’re even more impressed than we initially were. Seriously, check out ATHANASIA’s work, you will not be disappointed.
For all things ATHANASIA, to listen to “Pretend”, and to keep up with all future releases and information, please check out the following links below.
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