‘Avoidant’ by NYRE is an experimental pop EP that takes us on a journey through heartbreak and its messy aftermath. NYRE takes us from anger mixed with sorrow in ‘It Should Be You’, to gritty acceptance in ‘Main Character’, where she wonders if anything at all would be enough for her.
The Artist
NYRE is an alt-pop artist based in Toronto. Since her debut, NYRE has made a name for herself. She has released several vivid singles, including ‘It Should Be You’ and ‘You Didn’t Mean It’, both of which have made it to this EP. ‘Avoidant’ is her debut EP. NYRE is known for her ability to tell stories through her catchy lyrics, as well as her ambient, enchanting music. Her unabashed experimentation really makes her unique.
‘Avoidant’: Track-by-track
‘Avoidant’ pt. I: ‘It Should Be You’ and ‘Joke’s On Me’.
The EP moves seamlessly from anger and sorrow in ‘It Should Be You’, then to regret, reflection and pain in ‘Joke’s On Me’. The music changes with the nature of the track. ‘It Should Be You’ is a simple, straightforward pop track, built with guitar, drums and synth. The lyrics are full of everyday pop culture references, and it makes for a classic pop breakup song. She wants her ex to feel, remember and miss her like she does him. She also wants him to break down like she is.
‘Joke’s On Me’ is stripped. The piano and synth take a backseat, allowing the singing to be in complete focus. The lyrics are softer— the anger is gone, and it has been replaced by self blame, which mixes in with the sorrow. “Love is a slippery slope, I’m tumblin’ down.” She sings. Echoey synth emphasizes her mellow singing.
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‘Avoidant’ pt. II: ‘You Didn’t Mean It’ and ‘Main Character’
At ‘You Didn’t Mean It’, it takes a turn into slightly darker territory. The low, gravelly opening synth sets the tone immediately. This is the stand out song in ‘Avoidant’. It is almost an eviction notice to the former lover –
“I can feel you in my bloodstream
You’re under my skin
Creepin’ round inside me
Who let you in?”
In this song, there is acceptance. But there is also the demand for better. She stands up to protect her inner child, saying that the little living in her heart deserves to live the fairytale she believes in. The production on this song is brilliant, and the gritty, haunting sound works wonderfully. Towards the end, the track gets grittier with each repetition as it tapers off, as though the little girl and her dream are being slowly pulled apart. It ends on “but they never mean it”.
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In ‘Main Character’, the energy is just as dark. Pensive, gravelly synth makes up the sound. Here, we’ve moved through acceptance, and we’re looking past the relationship. The song examines the implications of this relationship falling apart, and then her life apart from the relationship.
Atmosphere
Her style, especially in the second half of ‘Avoidant’ with its darker, grittier sound, while distinctive, is reminiscent of other experimental artists like Billie Eilish and Halsey. Especially with the latter, the inspiration is clear. She is even mentioned in the first track of the EP – “Everytime you listen to Halsey, you should be crying in your bed for a week”. NYRE is definitely one to look out for, and this debut is just the beginning. Follow her on Instagram for gorgeous snaps, exciting updates, and clips from everyday life.
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Can't pretend I'm the protagonist without the right track playing in the back.
