BIAS – “Amsterdam”

Michel Gondry’s 2004 film Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind is a beautiful yet heartbreaking story of love (and memories) lost, creating a spellbinding cinematic pull via its strong screenplay, acting, and overall atmosphere. The film’s music may seem like a bit of an afterthought to some, though it plays a notable role, particularly as background in notable scenes.

One such scene includes the background song “Phone CalI,” which plays as the protagonist breaks a barrier of inhibition and self-consciousness, in opening up to someone and allowing for the possibility of love (or heartbreak). The scene resonates with many revere the film, including Italian artist BIAS. His new track “Amsterdam” is a rework of the “Phone Call” song from the film, complemented here by strings and the classic Roland TR-808 drum machine.

The steady build of the late-night synth tones accelerate into an impassioned vocal presence, emitting a sense of anguish and despair, capturing a state of emotion conveyed in the film throughout. In personal relation, the track was created “on his return from a trip to Amsterdam, at a moment of emotional fragility due to the conclusion of a love affair.” The closing line — “I still have myself to count on / I only have myself to count on,” — plays with a somber acknowledgement, though confronting a reality that must be faced. “Amsterdam” is a moving, effective re-interpretation of a highlight from Gondry’s classic film.

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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of February 2023’ Spotify playlist.