Kent-based artist Aphrah has begun her 2025 with new single “Pretty Broken Chords.” The singer-songwriter channels Jensen McRae and Novo Amor with heartbreaking lyrics and a haunting piano, creating a candid song about self-worth and unconditional love.
A composed yet soft performance by the pianist and a slight echo in the piano’s sound establish a tranquil feeling that is slowly built upon throughout the song. The piano melody feels simple and easy, yet makes the space of the song feel more personal; as if you are watching someone absentmindedly playing piano in front of you. Backing and layered vocals soon join, adding to the tragic sense within the song. As the song progresses, more instrumentation is added with shiny synths, a bass, filtered drums and hand percussion slowly filing in. The song returns to the piano in the outro, coming back to the bare sound set in the beginning.
About the song, Aphrah states, “’Pretty Broken Chords’ is about loving someone when they don’t love themselves.” The lyrics “for better for worst I won’t leave you” emphasize the artist’s devotion to their love despite the challenges. At the start of each verse, there is some great use of imagery but it’s unfortunately cut short by the quickly arriving pre-chorus. Such development and focus on the imagery could make the song feel more distinct and dear. This is only a minor setback, however, as Aphrah is still able to communicate her message to listeners easily.
Overall, “Pretty Broken Chords” offers a palatable insight into Aphrah’s upcoming EP set to release this year. “Pretty Little Chords” is available to listen to now.
