Zarooni‘s WTF! is an electrifying collision of time, space, and human consciousness, an anthemic soundscape that melds the nostalgic allure of retro futurism with the propulsive energy of modern indie rock. The track is a visceral experience – textured drums propel the listener through a cerebral introduction, only to expand into a dimensional sonic tapestry where electric guitars with astral synths carve out emotional landscapes, and Zarooni’s ethereal vocals guide us through a narrative of transformation. There is a cinematic grandeur to the song, a sense that every note, every rhythm, and every syllable is imbued with purpose, elevating it beyond a mere track to an immersive, almost synesthetic experience.
Lyrically, WTF! explores the perpetual human struggle of change, of looking forward while being anchored to the past, of confronting the unknown while carrying the weight of what was. This tension is beautifully reflected in the instrumental arrangement, where funky, groove-laden guitars and shimmering synths weave in and out of a deep, infectious rhythm section. The song demands movement – not just physical, but mental and emotional. It pulses with an urgency that speaks to the need for evolution, for embracing the unpredictable nature of the future with an open heart and a defiant spirit. There is something inherently liberating in the way Zarooni delivers the lines, a voice that does not just sing but converses with the listener, pushing them to reflect and react.
The visual counterpart to WTF! elevates the song into another realm. The music video is a mesmerizing interplay of nostalgia and innovation, draped in a retro-futurist aesthetic that perfectly complements the track’s sonic ethos. It is both a throwback and a projection forward, a carefully curated visual journey that immerses the viewer in a world where past and future coexist in a dynamic, almost paradoxical harmony. The directorial vision of Hariprasath Rajan, coupled with the striking cinematography of Umesh Chandra Javagi, crafts a narrative that is as visually arresting as it is thematically profound. Every frame is meticulously designed, every shot a brushstroke in a larger masterpiece that breathes life into the song’s existential musings.
The musicianship on WTF! is exceptional. Drummer John Jose provides a pulsating heartbeat, a rhythmic foundation that is both complex and instinctual, while Keval Kurup’s lead guitar work delivers an out-of-this-world performance, each riff a dialogue between the tangible and the surreal. Yenlis Contreras, on keyboards, adds a layer of atmospheric depth, filling the spaces between beats with rich, textural synths, and Yara Khoury’s bass lines ground the composition with an anchoring groove that keeps the entire arrangement fluid yet deliberate. There is an almost telepathic synchronicity between the band members, an unspoken understanding that transforms the track into something that transcends individual contributions – it becomes a collective pulse, an emotional current that surges through the listener with undeniable force.
Zarooni’s story adds an additional layer of depth to WTF!, turning it into a personal manifesto. As an Emirati-British artist, his music exists at the intersection of cultural legacies, blending Eastern and Western influences into something entirely his own. His journey is one of resilience, passion, and an unyielding commitment to authenticity, and this is reflected in every note he sings. His voice is both an anchor and a compass, a guide through the labyrinth of human experience, inviting listeners to not just hear, but to feel, to engage, to question.
WTF! is a masterclass in controlled chaos, a song that simultaneously grounds and elevates, challenges and comforts. It is both deeply personal and universally resonant, a track that belongs on the big screen as much as it does in a late-night introspective moment. It embodies the very essence of great music – something that lingers long after the final note fades, something that does not just exist but breathes, pulses, and evolves within the listener. Zarooni, with WTF!, has not just released a song; he has crafted an experience, a sonic and visual odyssey that demands to be felt in its entirety. We have added the opus to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TRIPPY and TIMELESS playlists, whilst we continue to stream Zarooni‘s growing discography!