Frank Joshua – Torture (2024)
While singer-songwriter Frank Joshua is labelled as a form of dream-pop by various audiences, he is far from pedestrian and not to be pigeon-holed. In his 2023 single ‘Patent Leather Car’, a hint of funk rose with charming flair and ‘Winter Cowboy’ flits from jazz and pop with some classical piano in the mix. What I am trying to say is Frank Joshua is as enigmatic in his melodies as he is in his appearance. Not keen on showing his face as an artist – a “sort of shyness combined with a social experiment” as he shared in our interview with Joshua, his music gives an overall ethereal vibe while hiding more complex intricacies beneath. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Torture’.
Originally a track from his second album Talk of Thing, ‘Torture’ has a chance to shine in its own right – mainly due to the persistent plugging by Chicago-based radio show BAD Waves Radio. Following the well-received songs ‘Victim’, ‘On This Night’ and ‘Kiss’, Joshua joins long-time producer Tony White in the new single ‘Torture’. Shifting from the folk-tinged ‘Kiss’, ‘Torture’ leans far into the EDM/house style. A combination of bold electropop beats with slips of synths fluttering along in a shimmering haze, ‘Torture’ is perfect for any dancefloor or house party. Interestingly, while the melody has a pulsating pounding, the softness of an interspersed classical piano belies the tune.
Tackling complex themes of life, in this case toxic relationships, ‘Torture’s melody aligns with the intricacies of human fragility. Pulsating beats act as a pounding heart while the slices of dreamy synths and piano have a soothing yet skin-chilling haunting with blaring vulnerability. Frank Joshua explains:
“It’s about the unspoken fear of rejection that lurks within intimate relationships… House beats, singer-songwriter vibes and lyrics about toxic relationships and the harm they do.”
In addition to the single, Frank Joshua released an official music video for ‘Torture’. You can view the video below or on his YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Frank Joshua on his official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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