Xeren Liaโs โSUMMER LIESโ opens with a gentle, almost melancholic intro before dragging you into a whirlwind of gritty guitars, raw vocals, and pure emotional turbulence. Itโs like stepping onto a sunny beach only to realize the tide is pulling you under, and youโre not sure if you want to fight it or just let it take you. Inspired by Japanese rock legends like The Pillows and Nico Touches the Walls, this track wears its influences on its sleeve while still sounding unmistakably personal.
The songโs production feels intentionally unpolished in the best way possible, embracing the imperfections that make it human. Xerenโs voice is a forceโdeep, aching, but all of a sudden, teetering on the edge of breaking, especially when that guttural, fuzzed-out scream slices through the bridge. Lyrically, itโs a self-reckoningโa battle between holding onto yourself and succumbing to someone elseโs expectations. Lines like โYouโll never steal my lightโ and โCut your light in all that Iโll beโ hit like gut punches.
The song veers leftโswapping out crashing drums for an almost weightless, electronic groove with immersive harmonies swooning you in with the angelic soaring vocals before diving back into the chaos with shimmering guitars. Itโs a sonic push-and-pull, mirroring the internal struggle the lyrics lay bare.
Even more impressive is that this nuanced masterpiece was made in a Mazda, a parentsโ house, and an iPhone. No million-dollar studio, no industry polishโjust raw passion and a DIY spirit that makes โSUMMER LIESโ feel even more genuine. It proves that the right emotions, the right influences, and the right amount of chaos can create something unforgettable. Check it out on Spotify.
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Review by: Naomi Joan