EVOLVE [REVIEW]
You know that feeling when you get a window seat on the train home from work while the rain is pouring outside, and you briefly trace back the steps in your life and wonder how you ended up where you are now? That’s the feeling behind the debut single from independent artist Aless Arias (@alessarixs), Evolve. The pulsating track is an indie-pop reflection of the artist’s yearning for transformation.
The track is, however, not Arias’ first foray into the music industry. Her previous affiliation with alt-rock band Chicanery and current membership with the New Age Noise Collective mean that Arias has a firm understanding of her artistry, which shines through on her melancholic debut.
Evolve cover art
(Image credit: Provided by artist.)
The artist thinks of her track as a sort of internal plea - ‘Navigating your early 20’s can be tough. ‘Evolve’ is about wanting to change, then realising you’re the one holding yourself back’. At its core, Evolve is a wishful ode to change. With lyrics spanning growing pains and vulnerable introspection, Arias finds a perfect synergy between wistful production and evocative songwriting. Perhaps the most tweetable lyric is the pensive ‘if it’s not right now then when?’, a haunting reminder for us all that lockdown is indeed over and staying in bed until 11am is no longer acceptable.
‘I wanna feel brand new’
[Image credit: Photograph by Katy Cao (@ktycao)]
Much of the instrumentation is handled by the artist alongside producer Tim Carr (@timgcarr), who has production credits with artists such as Flea and Matt Corby. The actual songwriting process was flud for Arias, who wrote the song over the course of a single day. Evolve seems to retain the rawness and honesty of an early demo, finding the right balance between an earthy sonic palette and refined engineering. The final product is a debut that feels like a deep cut.
Arias has already commenced production on her EP, Blossoming, of which Evolve is the lead single. With a release slated for November 2022, we cannot wait to hear more from the emerging debutant.
Stream Evolve here.
