Theo Kandel's "Anaconda Hearts" Is a Striking Portrait of a Broken Relationship [Premiere]
Photo: Gabe Drechsler and Trent Millspaugh
Following the success of his last single, “I Don’t Wanna Think About That,” Theo Kandel continues through the timeline of a breakup with his latest single, “Anaconda Hearts.” The song, which drops tomorrow May 28, compares his broken relationship to the strength of an anaconda and is paired with a visually stimulating and intimate music video.
“Anaconda Hearts” begins with a dreamy soundscape featuring horns and sultry guitar picking that sets the scene for listeners. Composed in a 5/4 meter, a meter uncommon for this style of music, the song nonetheless captures our attention with Kandel’s warm vocals and radically honest lyrical style. “I like to think it’s not an inaccessible five-four - you almost don’t even recognize it,” notes Kandel. “Fusing all of these elements together to make it sound like nothing that I’ve heard - I’m proud of that. I’m proud of creating something that I think is accessible and also interesting... I think that people of all different musical backgrounds can find something in that song.”
The music video for the single is an equally enthralling yet simplistic piece of art. Viewers are met with hazy scenes of Kandel sitting alone in a room full of greenery intercut with nostalgic, camcorder shot scenes, which have become a staple in the artist’s music videos. Pensively looking into the camera, Kandel grapples with what to say and do during the deafening silence between two lovers about to part ways. “We suffocate and squeeze too hard,” sings the rising alternative-pop singer-songwriter as actual anacondas and boa constrictors wrap and slither all over his body.
“Anaconda Hearts” is from the artist’s forthcoming concept EP, Spin Cycle, which will be released June 18. The record is musically intricate, layered, and blends a variety of instrumentation that creates a solid sonic identity that directly distinguishes Kandel as an artist. Each song from the EP will also have a companion music video to elevate the listening experience and tell the story of each song in a visual medium.
Watch the "Anaconda Hearts" video below:
