My friends and I made an interesting observation about relationships during this pandemic people in romantic relationships are either getting married or breaking up. Toots explores some of the reasons for break ups in his latest release.

Toots Orosa of Kremesoda just released his 3rd single under his solo project – Toots. “Strangler” is a single that has a steady upbeat and hopeful pop rock rhythm to it but with a sinister backbone. It talks about a myriad of thoughts and feelings that a toxic relationship has: overthinking, gaslighting, fear, and a deep sense of just keeping your distance. The artist even talks about regressing into his shell as a way to keep safe.

I love contrasts and this song scratches that itch, but the mostly monotonous song lulls the listener to a false sense of security, then blasts them with depression through toxic storytelling. The song peaks and dives by pulling back on the music and exposes more exposition – much like the character pulls back on his emotions in the section.

“Strangler” proves that Toots has a knack for disguising unpleasant situations with pleasant sounds but maybe in the future he can show more excitement in terms of musicality especially when it accompanies more depressing lyrics.

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