Drawing us in with cosmic frequencies and a reverberating guitar melody, Anette Ähdel opens Undercover with intricacy and dimensionality. The opus expands with a cerebral vocal performance as she sings, “Slipped out the back to keep my head down, shifting shape as I leave…”
We appreciate the fusion of dream-pop with dark-wave that manifests. The prose is laced with poetic prowess and metaphors as Anette Ähdel shares a unique concept which also feels relatable at the same time.
In essence, Undercover serves as a message for those of us who feel unseen. In a lot of ways, this exploration is philosophically zeitgeist in today’s world. It explores the darker side of modern life, and mixes a feeling of city anxiety with a simple wish to be noticed. Lyrics like, “Can you see me from the outside?” feel creative and emotional, and resonate really deeply.
We love the cohesive tapestry of sound that manifests, and the luscious airy harmonies. There is no doubt that Undercover boasts a cinematic allure, and would be perfect for a multitude of sync placements, perhaps a film like Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, or The Fallout, and the TV series Ginny & Georgia, which all explore girls who are struggling with feeling unseen or overlooked.
Fans of The Cure, Kavinsky and Radiohead would also be able to connect with what Anette Ähdel is creating, and her philosophical approach to songwriting. We could also imagine the song being played on the rooftop of Petit Ermitage in West Hollywood as it taps into notions of cerebral psychedelia too. The instrumental segues and guitar solos are absolutely sublime. Anette tells us, “It’s not about standing in the spotlight; it’s about what happens when the lights go out and the static takes over.”
We learn that Anette Ähdel is a singer-songwriter based in Stockholm, Sweden. She is shaped by a lifelong love of music, from her early admiration of Led Zeppelin to her current taste for emotionally rich, expressive sounds. Anette is also the lead vocalist of Yesterday’s Gone, whilst focusing on creating her own indie-leaning music in English.
Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added Undercover to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Anette Ähdel, including Whispered Walls, and Five Tears.