Harry Styles, the British pop sensation, has returned with a captivating new single “Aperture,” which marks a bold departure from his previous work. The track, released as the lead single from his upcoming album “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” showcases Styles’ ability to seamlessly blend elements of electronic, psychedelic, and pop music.
Departing from the soft-rock leanings of his earlier solo efforts, “Aperture” presents a refreshingly loose and unhurried sound, taking the singer-songwriter on a new creative path. The five-minute-and-eleven-second track opens with a minimalist electronic pulse and a mesmerising, oscillating riff, gradually building layers of texture that evoke the atmosphere of a dimly lit nightclub.
Styles’ slightly filtered vocals deliver lyrics that speak of drinks “going straight to his knees,” hinting at the song’s dancefloor-centric themes. As the track progresses, the electronic elements bleed in from the edges, culminating in a sun-drenched pre-chorus that blossoms into the chant of “We belong together” – a signature Styles call for unity.
Musically, “Aperture” draws inspiration from the early 2010s, where electronic music intertwined with elements of psychedelia, prog, and pop. The track evokes the sonic palette of bands like Vampire Weekend, Yeasayer, and MGMT, as well as the techno-pop releases from Cologne’s Kompakt label. Yet, Styles’ lyrical approach remains relatively straightforward, reflecting on his recent experiences of immersing himself in the clubbing scene during his creative downtime.
While the shift in direction may not be as daring as to scare Styles’ fanbase, the confident move away from the mainstream pop sound is a bold step for one of the few prominent male stars in the industry. Uncertain whether the track is “coming (up) or going (down),” “Aperture” navigates its own safe space, offering a joyous and quietly radical listening experience.
