Single Review: Castle

Auckland based indie artist Iris Zhang launched her second single Castle on the 28th of May. The track is a delicate, intricate song that touches on isolation, desire and self-sabotage.

Born in Beijing, but now Auckland based, it took Iris two degrees, three majors and four years of writing tax advice before she took the plunge and decided to follow her true passion for music. After gaining a steady following on her YouTube channel and gaining recognition from international artist Shawn Mendes, Iris is preparing to launch her debut EP this year. 

Castle follows on from Iris’ debut single Small Ache which was released at the end of 2020. Small Ache has more of an upbeat, R&B feel to it, whereas Castle is lullaby-like and comforting in its instrumentation, but haunting in its lyrics.

The eerie jingle of a music box opens the track before Iris’ smooth, velvety vocals ease the listener in. Accompanied by soft acoustic guitars, twinkling piano and strings, Castle is like drinking a warm cup of coffee on a cold day. Despite the beauty of the music, the lyrics are somewhat chilling and a juxtaposition of the fairy tale ambience of the track.

Iris Zhang has one of those voices that is truly unique. Her lyrics are mesmerising and her music is captivating. I look forward to seeing what else she has in store for us with her EP.