“HIDE & SEEK” by Thea is simultaneously the grooviest and most relaxing pop song you’ll ever hear. The drum pattern keeps your body moving while the dreamy, whispery vocals lull you into a hypnotic trance. It’s simply dripping with lovely, atmospheric musicality.
We’re invited in with a billowing pad, a few piano twinkles, and some pinch harmonics on a guitar. This all swells into the verse: “I’m too tired of you making wrong decisions.” Thea’s voice feels soft and welcoming, but the lyrics lean a bit melancholy. It’s the perfect, subtle juxtaposition. The instrumentation is sparse, mostly consisting of guitar and crisp percussion. It builds as the song continues, including vibrant, clean-cut synth flourishes and meticulously affected background vocals. Truly, the magic of this song lies in the sound design. There’s not an inch of it that doesn’t feel like someone painstakingly crafted each bell, whistle, tone, click, and sweep. That’s why such a seemingly quiet track has so much dynamic gravity to it.
Not to mention, the chorus also has an infectious melody. It’s got longer note values and a memorable arc, which is doused in luscious harmonies. You’ll be humming this one under your breath for days. The sixteenth-note-heavy hi-hats keep it driving as we float through Thea’s melodious vocal stylings.
You’re going to want to check this one out. It’s not only indulgent good, but a genuinely creative addition to the musical climate. What this industry needs most is music that feels familiar while also challenging trends and pushing boundaries. “HIDE & SEEK” does that and more.
Written by Alyce Lindberg
