We usually reserve individual posts for artists and bands we’ve supported or been fans of for a long time, but we’re making an exception to the rule here. To offer one explanation, here’s the RIYL we came up with for the featured track.
RIYL: The Primitives, ABBA, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, Tiffany
It’s not often we struggle in finding comparisons for an artist, but Christina Schneider and her project, Locate S,1, have done exactly this. Before presenting the song, we must provide a proper introduction to Locate S,1.
Those in the New York area may be familiar with her, as she opened for Frankie Cosmos a year ago. The more discerning music fan may have heard her under-the-radar, debut album, Healing Contest, which was released in 2018. The record was the introduction to her wide-ranging, indie-pop approach, as the LP sounded like it could easily belong in the ’70s as it could in the 21st Century. Schneider has taken her “mad-scientist” ways – where she blends various genres into one surprisingly accessible and addictive melodic cocktail – to new heights and perfected it on her newest single, “Personalia”.
“Personalia” is an absorptive and immersive single, where Schneider transports the listener to another era as well as into her world. With each listen (and we’ve listened to this song nearly 20 times), something new is discovered. An ABBA-esque disco vibe reverberates in the chorus with plenty of Debbie Harry and Blondie influences. Eighties pop-stylings reminiscent of Cyndi Lauper and Madonna during their punk-girl fashion days filter in and out. Then Brit-pop, the Dunedin-sound, and funk tones percolate here and there. Oh, there is even a bit of Tiffany and Debbie Gibson. The entire concoction is a little weird, but it is incredibly fun, delirious, catchy, and, most importantly, a work of genius. “Personalia” is the work of a genius.
Listen closely to the lyrics, though, and the song is layered with deep meaning. Inspired by Mary Ruefle’s poem of the same name, Schneider reveals a specific moment in 2018 when she almost said goodnight forever. Her first words are: “Almost killed myself so I went home / I just cannot take these local shows”. She, though, overcomes her feelings, and “I become a person that I could believe in”. For what it’s worth, we fully believe Schneider can change how we perceive and listen to music. For that matter, this tune is a Song of the Year candidate. We just can’t get enough of it.
Locate S,1’s sophomore album, Personalia, will be released on April 3rd via Captured Tracks. Pre-order the album here or go directly to Bandcamp.
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