We previously featured Cello when she delivered a subversive, hypnotic and cerebral societal commentary with her epic debut single, Vitamins, so when we heard that the rising star was back with the poignantly titled, We Do What We Want (When We Want When We Want To), we couldn’t wait to immerse ourselves in Cello’s sonic universe once again.

We Do What We Want (When We Want When We Want To) opens with a trippy and psychedelic glitch-pop energy, expanding into a fierce guitar-rock soundscape. There is an undeniable pop-punk meets riot-girl vibe that manifests and we simply cannot get enough.

We love the nostalgic elements and how Cello takes us on a raw and rebellious adventure. Aligned with the title of the song, We Do What We Want (When We Want When We Want To) is about rejecting a bad or restrictive situation and choosing freedom instead. It is a metaphor for escapism, defiance and independence, emphasizing an attitude where we refuse to follow rules or expectations and instead live on our own terms, even if it’s chaotic or uncertain.

Cello describes it as “a refusal to return to the places and expectations that try to hold you in place”. We could imagine it in a film like The Bling Ring, or Spring Breakers, but also a TV show like Euphoria on HBO in a scene with Rue, or a Gregg Araki directed feature.

This dose of hedonism and youthful independence is what we all need right now when the world feels so heavy. Luckily, the track also comes with a music video by Martin Gordon which sees Cello performing the track in her element, in tunnels, in the bathroom stall, in the mirror and on the run with strobes to boot!

We absolutely love what Cello stands for as an artist, and have added We Do What We Want (When We Want When We Want To) to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream Vitamins, and await future releases from Cello!

The post Cello unleashes riot-girl chaos and defiant freedom with badass sophomore single, We Do What We Want (When We Want When We Want To) appeared first on KIMU.

Establishing the mood with an astral, repeating synth note, expanding into a luscious alternative rock soundscape, Cello opens Vitamins with the lyrics, “I’ll take my vitamins, I’ll take my vitamins, I’ll take my vitamins, I’ll do my homework, I’ll do my homework, I’ll do my homework, I’ll be a good girl, I’ll be a good girl, a very good girl…”

The message resonates like a mantra, and we appreciate the subversive playfulness that manifests. There is no doubt that the track would be perfect for a multitude of sync placements, perhaps the upcoming prequel of Legally Blonde, or an episode of Euphoria on HBO.

From a production standpoint, there are nods to psychedelia and the composition feels extremely hypnotic. This is cemented by the repeating prose. There is a 90s vibe that comes to life and the astral solos are genius. Fans of Garbage, No Doubt and Hole will also be able to connect with what Cello is creating.

The lyrics serve as a zeitgeist commentary on society, the rise of the trad-wife and feminism, and was even released on International Women’s Day. Highly poignant, deadpan, and genius. We love the post-punk notions and the sharp, witty, and deliberately confrontational delivery that challenges modern pressures on women.

Speaking on the release and her artistry, Cello says, “3 years ago (or maybe even 4 now at this point?!) JB and I wrote a track together, this was the first time that I’d written something more pop oriented. It went really well and we thought ‘Oh this is cool, maybe we should carry on’… 1000s of hours later, learning how I wanted to sound, writing hundreds of lyrics, learning what works and what doesn’t, honing ideas and a sound world with the singular concept of creating a distinct musical identity, something that sounded new and yet familiar at its heart, we had a whole album. My identity as an artist was formed, and my alter ego born into this world. Fast forward to now and I am so excited to announce the debut release Vitamins. This song is a reaction to modern expectations of femininity, and it challenges the trope that because we can, we’re expected to do everything & be everything all at once whilst smiling and looking great obvs.”

We also love how Cello’s classical training as a cellist at the Junior Royal College of Music in London  informs the song’s precision and pacing, adding weight to its minimalistic post-punk energy. We have added Vitamins to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we anticipate the release of Cello’s upcoming album, Kung Fu Disco.

The post Cello delivers a subversive, hypnotic and cerebral societal commentary with epic debut single, Vitamins appeared first on KIMU.