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Photo: Jaime Garcia

“Kill your idols.” “Never meet your heroes.” The idea of doing away with those we worship is a pervasive one, and nowhere does this notion ring more true than in “Lucky Strike,” the thunderous debut single from ARIS. 

“Lucky Strike” is not just a bold introduction to the rising alternative star but a guttural sucker punch propelled by dynamic production and vocal work that seamlessly shifts from ethereal to dire. Produced by Slush Puppy, the biting single is a panic attack given rapturous sonic form. ARIS details the chaotic back-and-forth of her swirling emotions and coping mechanisms against a barrage of blistering, unrelenting electric guitars. "He had me dreaming / Looked up to you when I was young / And now I'm seeing / How could I ever be so dumb," she sings in a defeated voice before making a full 180 into a cathartic, infectious chorus. There’s a level of striking precision and candor to be found throughout the track's racing runtime—especially considering its status as a debut single—that speaks to the lightning in the bottle ARIS and Slush have captured here. 

Written around the fallout of a relationship that turned what was once a teenage dream into a young adult nightmare, the only words ARIS had to share on her debut were, “Never date your idols.” It’s a succinct yet bold statement that perfectly encapsulates the cutthroat nature of the grunge-pop single itself. And while “Lucky Strike” only begins to speak to the emotional wellspring that hides just beneath the surface of the enigmatic artist, it has us firmly hooked for what’s to come.  

Listen to “Lucky Strike” below: