In the latest offering from Montreal‘s prolific scene, SUUNCAAT delivers a vivid explosion to the senses with her new single, “Salad Years.” Released on July 26th, this track has quickly become a personal summer highlight, blending infectious beats with a nostalgic narrative that strikes a chord.
“Salad Years” opens with a shimmering synth flurry that immediately pulls the listener into its dynamic soundscape. The beat is irresistibly toe-tapping, setting the stage for a joyous rollercoaster through the artist’s juvenile recollections. It’s difficult not to draw parallels to early Grimes, especially with SUUNCAAT‘s ethereal vocals that float cooly above the effervescent production. Other reference points include the likes of Purity Ring and Charli XCX.
Directed by Arlo Ed, the accompanying music video enhances the song’s vibrant essence, highlighting SUUNCAAT‘s ability to seamlessly merge the whimsical with the melancholic. The video relies heavily on that feeling of hazy nostalgia, set against the backdrop of a baseball field under a cloudy sky. This location, along with home footage and scenes of SUUNCAAT seemingly having a ball, creates a visual accompaniment that is at once heartwarming and a little stirring. The choice of location ties directly to SUUNCAAT‘s personal history, adding a further layer of authenticity to the song’s narrative.
Lyrically, “Salad Years” is a masterclass in balancing upbeat melodies with introspective content. SUUNCAAT describes the track as a “very sad song but also very upbeat and humouristic,” a self-deprecatory joke wrapped in a hyperpop package. This duality makes the song compelling. The lyrics explore her awkward childhood, especially her time on the bench during baseball games—a poignant metaphor for feeling out of place during one’s formative years. Yet the music turns this sorrow into an energetic celebration, a fine juxtaposition of emotions.
The production quality of “Salad Years” is top-notch. The intricate layering of electronic textures and crisp percussion creates a rich sonic palette for the artist to play with. The use of vocal modulation and pitch-shifting adds an edge, aligning SUUNCAAT with the experimental sounds of artists like 100 gecs while maintaining her individuality. The chorus, a catchy earworm, demands repeat listens, each time revealing new nuances and details within its arrangement.
SUUNCAAT’s irreverent spirit and genre-defying approach should be lauded. As we eagerly anticipate more releases from her in 2024, “Salad Years” promises to be a defining moment in her burgeoning career. For anyone who has ever felt out of place yet found solace in the rhythm of life, SUUNCAAT offers a soundtrack that is both personal and universally relatable.
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