CYN Channels a Cult-Like Obsession in the High-Spirited "Holy Roller"

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Photo:  Charlotte Rutherford

There is a fine line between love and obsession. It is an at-times a hazy distinction that pop has been known to dance around for decades, and rising artist CYN channels that in her latest animated single "Holy Roller." CYN, whose own name is a Lolita play on the word sin, feels perfectly at home here, transforming a night gone perfectly right or wrong (depends on who you ask) into an infectious bout of indie-pop meets indie-rock.  

The track title, "Holy Roller," itself is a reference to the incontrollable religious ecstasy experienced when one is perceived to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. CYN transmutes this religious fervor and a fanatical romantic obsession into a song that, at first glance, could be mistaken for a starry-eyed confession. The juxtaposition of the entire affair is intoxicating.  

The rising pop artist spoke on "Holy Roller,"  

"'Holy Roller' is about sacred dedication and blind faith in someone. Although the lyrics are quite bold, I believe there is a marked adolescence present in the song. To me, the lyrics reveal the aftermath of a party from the night before but still remain serious in their declaration of a cult-like devotion. I laughed out loud plenty of times while writing this song, and though I think it has an undeniable sense of quirk, I can hear the absolute climax of a romantic feeling in the chorus melody."

"Holly Roller" is more than just a thematically robust offering, playing with notions of love and dangerous fixation, it is an exemplary showcasing of CYN's multifaceted approach to pop. Balancing its most radio-friendly pop inclinations, jubilant whistling and all, with a smattering of reverbed-out electric guitars that could be taken straight from a St. Vincent record, "Holy Roller" skates through three-and-a-half minutes of CYN at her best.

Watch the lyric video for "Holly Roller" below:

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