LIA LIA Embarks on a Battle For Her Identity in 'Angst'
Chinese-German artist LIA LIA battles and discovers her identity in her highly-anticipated EP Angst. Across six tracks, she illustrates the murky, in-between feelings associated with her polyglot identity and reveals a new depth to her songwriting, weaving together elements of her alternative music influences, hypermodern internet culture, and blistering punk riffs. Speaking on her new body of work, Lia Lia says, "Angst is my big fuck you to anxiety, depression and sickness."
The opening track, "I ride my bike," greets the listeners with softer, more atmospheric stylings framed by ethereal vocals and whispering instrumentals. With echoey vocals accompanied only by a guitar's warm yet sparse strums, LIA's haunting whispers detail her journey of riding her bike through the night until morning, finding freedom in a place beyond our current existence, as she watches her "bones dissolve" and becomes a wandering specter.
Standout tracks on the record include the title track, "Angst," co-written by the iconic Jeremey Zucker, and the rebellious "13." The former of the pair embodies the core theme of the EP, documenting a journey towards authenticity and individuality, while the latter paints a tale of underage drinking and inappropriate suitors getting her barred from her church.
"What if i jump from a Bridge" delves into the chaos of her intrusive thoughts and shows off her expansive sonic palette and the rare ability to twist grunge into more melodic sound bites. The intimate, kawaiicore track opens with a haunting blend of warped strings and ethereal vocals. The singer introduces a pared-down version of the chorus that examines the overwhelming thoughts plaguing her, asking, "What if I jump my scooter into a car / If I jump from a bridge, will I fall far?" In the verses, she timidly yet bravely admits that these suffocating thoughts prevent her from being able to sleep and that her anxiety "runs deep." LIA LIA's spritely vocals gain a sense of urgency and anger as she repeatedly goes over how her intrusive thoughts cloud her brain and begs for them to leave her be, with the song coming to a close with a raging scream.
The EP's closer, "Am I Human?" sees the multifaceted artist lean more into her babydoll persona. She croons existential lines like, "I have a head on my neck / Got two hands and two feet, but no swag / I think I also have a brain / And blood is running through my veins," while edgy guitar riffs and thrumming bass lines marinate amid the moody production. She searches for a pulse and questions what it means to be real, erupting into a collage of swirling synths and a shouty cheerleader chorus. The power-pop anthem serves as a celebration of individuality that still pulls on the EP's core themes of dissociation and dread.
Angst follows 2022's Love & Melancholy EP and a stint supporting Duran Duran and Doja Cat on tour. She is also making waves outside the music scene, leaving a lasting impression in the fashion world, collaborating on fashion campaigns for iconic brands like Louis Vuitton and New Balance.
Listen to Angst below:
