Establishing the mood with an ethereal, pulsating synth and bold piano chords, RØSES opens Larvae with atmospheric vocals and metaphorical depth as she sings, “Money can’t buy back the years we lost, and sorry won’t draw back the lines you crossed, such promises of open minded kindness, before you emptied yourself of the best in you…”
We are immediately enthralled by the artist’s authenticity and high emotional quotient. The opus expands with stunning harmonies and textured drums as RØSES shares her soul. The star’s poetic prowess is tangible, and the overarching sentiment conveyed in the song is heartbreaking and simultaneously enthralling.
In the complex landscape of contemporary music, where narratives often skim the surface of emotion, RØSES offers a deeply personal and philosophical exploration with Larvae. This track is a raw, unfiltered dive into the traumatic experiences of growing up under the shadow of abusive parents. As a queer singer-songwriter from the Bay Area, RØSES, also known as multi-disciplinary artist Iliana Summit, brings an intensity to her work that resonates with the unspoken pain of those who have endured similar struggles.
At its core, Larvae is a reflection on the process of being molded and manipulated by those meant to protect. The metaphor of larvae – a stage of life marked by vulnerability and transformation – becomes a powerful symbol for the childhood wounds inflicted by parental control and expectation. The song’s lyrics poignantly describe the tragic metamorphosis of a child, full of potential, into a being shaped and scarred by abusive love. This transformation is not just physical or emotional, but existential, as it speaks to the loss of innocence and the crushing weight of being forced into a mold that was never meant to fit.
The haunting melody of Larvae, paired with RØSES’ ethereal yet raw vocal delivery (we adore the cracked laughs that detail her prose), deepens the impact of the song’s message. The musical arrangement, produced by Brian Squillace in Los Angeles, amplifies the sense of foreboding and melancholy that permeates the track. Each note seems to echo the pain of a past that refuses to fade, while the intense lyrics serve as both a catharsis and a confrontation of those deep-seated wounds.
Larvae stands as a testament to the power of music as a medium for healing and expression. For RØSES, this track represents a cathartic release, a way to give voice to the often-silent anguish of growing up in a toxic environment. It’s a song that speaks to anyone who has ever felt the weight of someone else’s expectations crushing their spirit, offering a sense of solidarity and connection to those who have walked a similar path. Fans of early Halsey, Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish will be able to connect with the song, although there is no doubt that RØSES is manifesting a sonic universe of her own.
In an industry that frequently prioritizes superficial narratives, RØSES stands out by bringing something deeply genuine and relatable to the table. Her commitment to telling real stories – no matter how difficult – resonates with this of us who crave authenticity. With Larvae, she not only offers a mirror to her own experiences but also invites us to find solace in the shared pain and the unspoken bonds of survival.
RØSES’ journey as an artist is marked by her ability to transform personal pain into art that is both evocative and universal. From her early connection with the piano at the age of 10 to her breakthrough with Self Destructive in 2020, she has consistently crafted music that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the human experience. Larvae, however, stands as her most intense and personal work to date – a haunting meditation on the scars of abusive love and the resilience required to navigate the aftermath. Through this track, RØSES not only tells her story but also offers a voice to those who might feel voiceless, reminding them that they are not alone in their pain.
We have added Larvae to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as both our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream RØSES‘ wider discography, and anticipate future releases from the visionary artist!