Áyal – Love Bomb (2024)
With an elegant swoop of their hand and a dramatic step across the threshold, singer-songwriter Áyal emerged from the New York theatre scene with an intoxicating flourish. Cheeky winks and big smiles, the non-binary artist holds you close while knocking you off your socks with their flamboyant melodies – good flamboyance though, the type you can’t help but love. Inspired by life in its totality Áyal (pronounced Eye-yahl) captures the good, the bad and the ugly exposing humanity’s core with intimate narratives. Come with us as we delve into Áyal’s debut single ‘Love Bomb’.
Recorded with producer Jamie Sellers, ‘Love Bomb’ is a nostalgic nod to the classic rock sounds of the 80s with 90s alternative rock fluttering through the tune. Think old-school Bon Jovi with the attitude of Joan Jett but met by the crash of Foo Fighters all twirled in a kaleidoscopic sonic hurricane. A sprinkle of Florence Welch’s baroque pop clings to the edges; however, the obscurity of Áyal’s vocals adds a unique off-kilter design.
‘Love Bomb’ might not be the most eclectic of tunes, however, I can hear something reaching beyond conventionalism lingering in the arrangement. A hurricane, definitely a cyclone of sound; yet the true force of ‘Love Bomb’ exists in the lyricism. With sophisticated elegance, Áyal tackles toxic relationships in all its painful glory. Interestingly, while the vocals brim with vulnerability, angst, rage, turmoil and despair, there is also bold confidence, hope and strength. Áyal explains:
“My song ‘Love Bomb’ is a powerful anthem for anyone who’s ever been swept off their feet by someone who showered them with affection, only to vanish just as quickly… I wanted to create a song that spoke to this specific form of emotional abuse. I was inspired by the phrase ‘all is fair in love and war’… then I realised that, in truth, nothing is fair in love or war and both can be equally destructive.”
So, overall, what do I think about Áyal? The debut ‘Love Bomb’ is both familiar and charming, but the profound theme is what gives it greater depth. Taken from their upcoming EP, Catharsis, I am eager to hear more from this talented musician.
Find out more about Áyal on their Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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