With her most recent single, “Never Like That,” Faunea has once again shown us how genre-blending in pop is done right. “Never Like That embodies what a love letter to nightlife should be.
This new song captures the way Faunea is able to be authentic to the alt-pop genre, but also blend in electro-pop and dark pop cohesively into a single track. “Never Like That” comes after Faunea gained international recognition after her song “Sound of Breaking” was featured in a Netflix original show. Not only has she gained traction worldwide, but she has also launched her own record label, through which she releases her music as an independent artist.
This artistic independence is what gives listeners songs like that sound like this one. Melodically, “Never Like That” has a steady back beat that develops a smooth, alt/indie sound immediately after the intro. It sounds reminiscent of popular alt-pop songs of 2016. It manages to be nostalgic, but with a modern take. What makes this song stand out, however, are Faunea’s breathy vocals pulling you into every lyric. Her voice melts into the musical melody, much like the experience of melting into the environment of a nightclub, dancing away the night, being carefree, and swaying to the music.
While the production pulls you into that nostalgic soundscape, the modernity of this track stands with the lyrics. Lyrically, the song embodies the adrenaline and intensity of a night out. The lines “Every time I see it / Nightlife heals a broken heart / Finally I feel it / Used to see the colors” give us a glimpse into what she feels in those environments.
Overall, this is stands as a testament of Faunea’s growth, not only as an independent artist, but as someone who is willing to pull other genres into alt pop.
