Review: SACARIAS’ newest bubbly indie-pop single ‘Therapy’ bridges an addictive sound with a meaningful message of getting help
Hailing from Norway, the singer-songwriter and producer SACARIAS juggles serving full-time in the Norwegian Armed Forces with his continually growing musical career. Garnering acclaim from both domestic and international artists; reaching the top 20 in the "Aden Award" competition and ranking among the top prospects on TV2's "The Stream", it’s clear SACARIAS’ is a name you’re only going to be hearing more of as he continues to grow. Now wielding his latest indie-pop offering in ‘Therapy’, SACARIAS’ is here to champion a bright sound with a meaningful message, and it without a doubt proves he has a talent not worth overlooking.
Bundling in with a bright warmth and a youthful spirit, ‘Therapy’ looks to immediately captivate you with its infectiously uplifting energy. From the vibrant, reverberated electric guitar strums that lead things in, there’s an immediate atmospheric haze that floats across the track’s soft bedding. Interrupted by the verse commencing, SACARIAS’ glides in with an easy-going beat; a shift from strums into guitar plucks; intermittent synth pops and a deep bassline that all together feels a little paired-back but seriously addictive all the same. Things really erupt inside of the chorus though, unleashing the instrumental shackles and seeing the instruments all soar as the drums set off into a thunderous clashing momentum; dominant guitar is vigorously strummed and heightened synths shine into the patchwork of gorgeously vivid sounds. A stripped-down bridge takes a moment to resonate with just guitar strums and soft beats, allowing for SACARIAS’ message to be placed front and centre if you’d perhaps had too much fun dancing along to hear his more poignant storytelling. As much as ‘Therapy’ shines in sound, it’s only truly topped off by SACARIAS’ vocal performance though, charismatically commandeering the track’s highs and lows with an emotionally apparent soul shining through each word. Somehow toeing the line between catchy and still a little intimate, ‘Therapy’ is a sure-to-be anthem with a message that truly matters.
Though an addictive burst of indie-pop in sound, SACARIAS’ pens a much more poignant and personal narrative within the three minute bookends of ‘Therapy’, pleading with a close friend or lover to look within and get help. Observing their superficial and dishonest behaviour over time, SACARIAS’ finds himself watching from afar as they mould themselves to fit within the crowds, obviously in-need of some self-reflection and guidance but unable to realise they’re even doing it. This reality-check doesn’t sugar coat it though, as SACARIAS’ admits that ‘I feel like you need some therapy, you’re not being real, not fooling me. So why you being fake right now?’ Losing track of their true self, SACARIAS’ makes it clear in lines like ‘characters you created, yeah they feel so calculated’ that the one he cares for seems to be becoming more of an illusion, a chameleon changing themselves to be most likeable in every scenario but not really holding an identity without the people around to please. It’s oddly perceptive though, as SACARIAS acknowledges the person they’re watching is becoming less and less likeable even to the point it damages his own identity, ‘around you, I don’t even know who I am, am I part of your show?’, and yet the entire message of the release is encouraging them to reach out for help rather than criticise. ‘Therapy’ really encourages some introspection and self-awareness, and ultimately shines to be quite the motivational piece even within its frustrations and suffocations.
Check out ‘Therapy’ for yourself here to appreciate SACARIAS’ bubbly sound and witty lyricism infused with a really important message of accepting help.
Written by: Tatiana Whybrow
Photo Credits: Unknown
// This coverage was created via Musosoup, #SustainableCurator
