The keen reader might recall Swedish hero RIVER from a feature we published just a few months ago, celebrating ‘I AM CANCER’ as “wrapped in hazy instrumental tones and understated fuzz, showcasing RIVER’s commitment to unconventional and eclectic pop ethos”. We stand by our words; bathing in alt-pop and dream-pop influences, the Stockholm-based creative has built an intense and unique aural world, one tinged with introspective lyricism and evocative imagery.
‘Infected mind’ continues on the same path, marking RIVER’s latest offering. Taking a step into rock-leaning territories, the piece sees a louder, bolder guitar component, together with rolling drum fills and a nostalgic, soulful sheen that well adapts to what could be described as an anthemic, slow-paced ballad. As always, the song carries a great deal of introspection and personal nuance, as RIVER decodes her past through the lens of her modern artistry.
Delving deeper into ‘Infected mind’, RIVER explains: “It is my attempt to recognise and engage in a dialogue with my younger, deceived self. It’s a passage between past and present, where forgiveness and separation can finally take place, simply by bearing witness to and understanding the harm I inflicted on myself out of ignorance. It reflects not only on the trauma of the past but also on the painful process of admitting how I’ve been deceiving myself – and ultimately surrendering to that deception in order to heal.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Infected mind’ now: