“Hurt Me Bad” by pure xtc is a gripping exploration of the delicate balance between ambition and self-preservation. Kansas City’s rising alternative pop artist released a haunting and immersive track on November 15, 2024, for the short film Rangoon, which masterfully blends emotional vulnerability with her signature dark pop aesthetic.
“Hurt Me Bad” begins with rumbling beats and a vast, ambient soundscape, immediately drawing listeners into its electrifying atmosphere. pure xtc’s reverberated and layered vocals emerge with a haunting coolness, delivering catchy lyrics with slow, deliberate gravitas:
“Find the thing you love, let it hurt you bad / I fell the wrong way, I should expect that.”
The instrumental builds a swirling sense of foreboding through lush guitars, shimmering melodies, and vibrant, tapping beats. The production feels both expansive and intimate, encapsulating the duality of chasing dreams—joyful highs paired with unraveling lows. The lush electronic textures create a cool, engaging ambiance that pairs perfectly with the track’s introspective lyrics.
pure xtc’s reflective lyricism strikes a chord, particularly in the refrain:
“What if I can’t run it off? Maybe I’m not strong enough.”
The vulnerability and raw honesty in her delivery underscore the emotional toll of ambition, while the refrain’s repetition evokes a relatable feeling of doubt and perseverance.
The music video, shot by Sam Sullivan and Boots Collins and directed by Phillip Dixon, set against sepia-toned urban lens, follows three friends roller skating, juxtaposing the song’s darker themes with visuals of nostalgia and the bonds of love. The aesthetic moodiness complements the track’s sonic atmosphere, making it as visually compelling as it is sonically.
Check out the music video of “Hurt Me Bad” on Spotify.
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Review by: Naomi Joan