Single Review: Obsessions

Kaela is not one to let herself be forgotten. Returning from a brief hiatus, her new single Obsessions delivers an otherworldly exploration of her struggle with OCD. It is both vulnerable and relatable, striking that rare balance most pop writers can only dream of achieving.

Kaela sings with a brutal passion which drives every lyric home. “Stuck in seclusion” and “disillusioned”, her vocal delivery hits listeners with a gut punch that reflects her own mental state. The single’s artwork does an excellent job at further conveying this feeling, embodying the haunted atmosphere of the song itself whilst maintaining a clear and appealing colour scheme and style, and highlighting Kaela.

It is impossible to ignore the incredibly unique production at play on Obsessions. Auckland’s Sophie Bialostocki, known by many as Levyne, deserves immense recognition for the kooky, disturbed array of production techniques she puts to use to back up Kaela’s dark lyricism. The instrumentation calls upon ideas of a carnival gone wrong. Further dynamic range could lift this song to ultimate electro-pop dance territory if desired, but as is, the song is a strong alternative pop number.

Undeniably, Obsessions is a triumphant return to the music scene for Kaela. Its quirks come together to create an ethereal song everybody involved should be proud of. Give Obsessions a listen next time you either want a good sing along… or a good cry.