From the moment this track builds, the imagery matches the synth sound. A familiar chord progression catches my ear. Arpeggios style melody fills the sound up before we drop into the verse. Looking at the artwork from the cover, I can hear that artwork in the music.
Hybrid Rose featuring Fanfickk have created the ultimate track for those who enjoy chilling out and unwinding instead of hitting the city every weekend. And I understand this. I relate.
The track Solitude is in my mind an anti-pop hit. Instead of writing about partying, relationships or other common themes in today’s pop culture, these two talk about a more common situation; sitting at home by yourself watching some TV online. The second verse is more of a rap provided detailing being able to do what you want at home. Clever arrangements and production techniques are found all over the place. From the melody in the chorus being performed by a lead synth and vocal, to the use of cat meows and vocoders. When the half time beat drops for just a moment, it’s just glorious.
When using the same chords for every section, it’s the use of the production techniques that help bring a song to life. That is what we have here. There is a remix included which is of a faster pace and pumps like you would expect an upbeat banger would. To me though, I wasn’t a huge fan of this remix. I much prefer the original in all its glory.
I recommend cranking up this track on the weekend at night when you are hanging with your cat and eat cereal.
Citing a range of musical influences from Kevin Parker (Tame Impala) to Lady Gaga and Marina Diamandis, to Coldplay, Blenheim resident Rose Gray (aka Missrosevalentina) self-produces tunes that vary from chiptune ditty Video Games to the poppy, dance-y Pixel and distorted dubstep of Expectations.
Her influences go beyond music, however; the opening chords to Pixels came to her while watching an episode of Adventure Time for example. She also cites vintage design and graphics as an influence, especially in terms of the visuals she produces alongside her songs. While Gray doesn’t consider herself a political person, she says she’s very passionate about making change.
Her musical character is a little more involved however, and the music is occasionally politically inspired. Missrosevalentina, an electronic character. An infectious virus in your ears, an addiction you cannot quit.