Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends – Suck (2021)
With their single ‘But Come On Now!’, Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends really got us into the vibe of their double album, before hitting us with the deep sorrow of ‘By Your Bed’. We are now heading back to when this musical project all began with ‘Suck’. The first single released under this new solo moniker, the track is all about sucking up to people and selling out.
Woven into the exploration of these topics is a tale of loneliness and a fear of rejection that delves into the root of sucking up. There are two versions of the track, with the album version (used here) offering a different intro and outro with a slightly longer runtime. Regardless of the version you listen to, you can clearly hear the mix of classic rock and power pop that set this musical project on its way.
‘Suck’ hits the ground running with a wonderful funky combination of rock and pop. There is a classic edge to the guitars that slide into a jangle of pop-rock that is rather addictive. It is utterly impossible to listen to this single and not start to bop to the sound of the melody. The infectiousness of the low levels slinks under your skin and you are under the single’s spell before you know what has happened. At times, there is a slightly retro vibe to the music as it harkens back to some familiar music, but this twirls into a dance of something wonderfully unique. As the melody progresses, there are these bursts of sound that emphasise the vocals, before everything drops for the drums to take over. It is an engaging soundscape that keeps you moving through the sonic changes. These changes highlight the musical versatility of this musical project and bring the complex emotions of the subject matter to the fore.
As you dance your way through the swings in the music, the vocals bring a soft power pop vibe to the track. You are easily drawn into the lyrics that offer an upbeat reflection of having to suck up to some people and how this can spiral into selling out. Through the verses, you are dropped into moments where you have to play a certain part. This is when you are hit with a fear of rejection and loneliness that you think can only be alleviated by giving in. The chorus takes this further and lays out all the things you feel you can get by sucking up to the right people. It is an interesting look at this topic and offers a wonderfully nuanced take.
Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends offer a unique and interesting look at the topic of selling out and the emotions that drive this in the dynamic ‘Suck’. With a melody that swings from bopping to a smooth twirl, the single keeps you engaged from start to finish. The vocals offer a different insight into the subject matter, considering all the mitigating factors and emotions.
Find out more about Arn-Identified Flying Objects and Alien Friends on his Instagram and Spotify.
