Lenka, now a solo artist who was formerly a member of Australian electronic-rock group Decoder Ring, has just released a new single entitled “Sihouette.”
After releasing music consistently since her emergence as a soloist, Lenka has amassed a whopping 868,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Spotify recommends similar artists like Sara Bareilles, Colbie Caillat, and Regina Spektor, but her sound is so much more more expansive than just the genre of contemporary pop.
The opening of the song, with a clapping electronic drum track and some synthesis, seems to be a nod to Whitney Houston’s 1987 slam hit “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” Lenka has also revealed that much of her inspiration from other 1980s powerhouses, like Pat Benatar, the Pointer Sisters, and Eurythmtics.
Throughout the song, Lenka’s vocal tone remains sultry and inviting. This appeal can be likened to more modern feminine pop artists like Chapell Roan or Caroline Polachek. The piece specifically draws similarities to Polachek’s “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings,” as both artists demonstrate a strong falsetto that is ridden with emotion. These pop influences also share similarities with indie pop group Muna, and pop princess of the 2010’s, Carly Rae Jepsen.
“Silhouette” has proven itself to be an impressive culmination of decades of women and femme individuals’ tastes in music. And not only does it celebrate the accomplishments of the music of the past, but it continues to lay the foundation for the music of the future.
