From the very first line of Akira Sky‘s new single ‘Block My Number’, we were hooked on this relatable, heartfelt and vulnerable track. In her distinctive, pop-leaning vocal, the Brooklyn-based artist laments “I’m being weird, I wanna see you again.” With that she pulls us into her world of moody longing and missed connections, all wrapped up in a dream-pop shimmer.
Walking the boundary between introspective intimacy and extroverted drama, the track builds out a dichotomous narrative with soft-guitar strings, complementary synth textures and a strong percussive undercurrent. There’s undoubtedly a late-night vibe to this track, conveying that feeling of creeping insomnia as you yearn to reach out to an ex… although you know you shouldn’t. In line with this sense of emotional complexity, Sky‘s voice is powerful and determined, yet steeped in a subtle fragility. By the time the chorus rolls around, our protagonist begins to claim her independence back, asking “block my number, give me closure.” It’s a final request to someone who has taken so much to at last give her something of value.
The song’s emotive tension carries over into the accompanying music video. Directed by Luiza Botelho, these cinematic visuals take listeners to the bewitchingly romantic landscapes of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Akira Sky stars alongside her paramour (portrayed by Pablo Morais) and their performance evokes a bittersweet nostalgia of a relationship already gone.
There’s something to be said of making something beautiful from past pain, which is exactly what Akira Sky achieves here with ‘Block My Number’. Next on the horizon is her debut EP, so be sure to watch this space.
You can also listen to ‘Block My Number’ in our Folk This Way and Shades of Pop playlists.
Follow Akira Sky:
UNRECORDED 