ALR, the enigmatic artist known only by their alias 'Another Level Removed', has stepped out of the shadows once again with a new single, 'Close To Me', featuring the equally talented and mysterious SadxAlien. The track is accompanied by a dark, captivating video that further deepens the emotional resonance of ALR's music.
'Close To Me' embodies ALR's self-coined genre, 'Dark Orb' - a hybrid of bedroom indie, emo sensibilities, and a surprising touch of modern metal. It's a raw, introspective piece that explores the complexities of a crumbling relationship from multiple perspectives. ALR and SadxAlien trade verses, their voices intertwining and diverging like the conflicting emotions within the song's narrative.
The music video, a visual counterpart to the song's emotional landscape, shakes with a raw, but steady vibe, with each artist making their mark. The video's stark aesthetic complements the rawness of the lyrics, creating a powerful synergy that draws the viewer into their world while also reinforcing the weight of the track.
ALR's anonymity is central to their artistic identity, as he explained, "I wanted to express myself by creating music anonymously online." This sense of anonymity allows ALR to create music with complete honesty and vulnerability, touching on personal experiences and emotions that resonate with listeners who feel similarly misunderstood.
"I'm a social outcast," ALR admits. "I want to make music for others who feel like they don't fit in and build a community of those who don't feel accepted so they will feel accepted." This sense of community is palpable in ALR's music. Their songs provide a safe space for listeners to connect with their own emotions and find solace in shared experiences.
'Close To Me' is an intoxicating glimpse into ALR's unique ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Lines like "I pull you close to me, and I watch you fade into the ghost you used to be" encapsulate the feeling of watching someone you love change and slip away, while SadxAlien's delivery of "I'm holding onto fairytales" perfectly captures the desperation of clinging to a dying relationship. The song's cresting instrumentals further enhance its emotional impact, creating a sonic landscape that is both beautiful and devastating.
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