Buckinghamshire's enigmatic alt-pop artist, Acting As Functional, has continued his prolific songwriting streak on Soundcloud with new single ‘Dead or Alive’. A track that was quietly released on the platform a few days ago, it offers a more substantial glimpse into his unique musical world. Having previously encountered his work on the ‘Sleepwalking Sleeptalking’ collaboration with Raven, this new single reveals another side of his style, shining with sincerity and acoustic tones.

From his Soundcloud page, Acting As Functional describes himself as a songwriter, not a singer, and while his vocals on 'Dead or Alive' are present and clear, their integration within the mix isn't always seamless. This doesn't ultimately detract from the overall enjoyment of the track though, and what his vocals lack, his passion and charm make up for. The song possesses a light, vibrant, and wonderfully quirky quality, transitioning from a spoken-word intro into an upbeat acoustic landscape.

The lyrics, such as “It’s got to be you to evacuate me, it’s got to be me to evacuate you, fire is burning all around us, I can feel the heat rising”, are delivered with a sincerity that resonates. They flow over a bed of gentle acoustic guitar and measured percussion, creating a compelling forward momentum.

While the verses occasionally feel stilted and staggered, pushing through the tempo and natural rhythm of the song, the heart and soul consistently shines through. The instrumental arrangement is clean and enjoyable, a simple yet effective progression that loops hypnotically, drawing the listener in.

Even during the mid-section, where Acting As Functional takes a step back to let the music breathe, the captivating quality remains. 'Dead or Alive' is a testament to the power of heartfelt songwriting and a unique musical vision, making it a truly engaging listening experience.

For more from Acting As Functional, be sure to check out his Soundcloud and YouTube pages today.