You may be familiar with the idiom “you dodged a bullet”, suggesting that it was actually a positive thing that a relationship came to an end, a first date didn’t lead on to a second, a friendship didn’t pan out, you didn’t get that job offer, or any number of opportunities. It’s a half-hearted salve that may or may not be true, but that doesn’t mean that near-miss doesn’t still sting. One artist who has approached this idea with nuance and authenticity is Los Angeles’ emerging name myah with new single ‘dodging bullets’. Her beautiful storytelling is punctuated with an alt-pop ferocity, indie-rock swagger and folksy undertones.
There’s a certain nostalgia to this track, derived from the late 90s and early 00s sonic motifs, which enhance that brooding sense of angst following a missed connection. Her lyrics are especially insightful, full of fresh heartbreak and the confusion as one tries to unravel that emotional riddle. myah has also elected to avoid pronouns in her lyrics, creating an inclusive space where any listener can relate their personal experience to the song.
Between the midwest emo guitar riffs and the push-and-pull exertion of myah‘s voice, ‘dodging bullets’ is a cathartic, cinematic and touch chaotic ride. Equal parts velvety soft and poignantly cutting, there’s a concealed sharpness to this universal narrative. There’s a hushed urgency propelling the listener to the end of the track, although its impact lasts long after the final note.
With ‘dodging bullets’, myah is utterly magnetic, unfiltered and real.
You can also listen to ‘dodging bullets’ in our Shades of Pop playlist.
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