LEOBLU is the musical pseudonym of Berlin-based artist and producer Julia Carlsson, and she has just unveiled the second release from her forthcoming EP.
Leveraging a vintage 80s synth sound, LEOBLU’s latest single, Backlash is equal parts Chromatics and electroclash, with just a dash of Chvrches. A low-slung bass line opens the song, as Carlsson’s vocal performance creates a soft-focus, ethereal aesthetic.
Backlash’s chorus creates a moment of contrast, however, with an increased sense of momentum, and more of a shoegaze, indie aesthetic. The drums mark out an accelerating sense of pace, matched by Julia’s increased movement in the video. The video itself is a departure for Carlsson, as she describes:
‘I never thought I would dance like this in a music video … I’m so happy that I’ve reached a point where I feel completely comfortable doing this. This video means especially a lot to me since I filmed it with my brother Jonathan. He’s such a talented videographer, and I love collaborating with him in this creative way. The location for the video is also close to my heart, since it’s the local town hall in the small town where I’m from, where my father has worked since forever. The music video became this whole little family project, and I feel so grateful for that. And I feel so, so proud of the result!’
The growing sense of momentum on display in Backlash reflects the song’s message of empowerment. LEOBLU, describing the song’s inspiration, says:
‘This song comes from a place of feeling suppressed and pushed down by someone close to you, someone who claims to love you but constantly keeps you down. Backlash is about finally breaking free and becoming the person they always tried to keep you from becoming … Essentially, you have become their ultimate backlash.’
Check out Backlash below, and look out for the forthcoming EP, Blu Lucid Nightmare, due 26 July 2024.