Featuring a dynamic production spanning from buzzing synth-set introspection to rousing anthemic outpouring, “Breakdown” is a powerful single from Portuguese singer/songwriter J.MYSTERY. A personal exploration of tragedy and the emotions that follow, the track was written during a turbulent period, after the artist and his wife experienced a miscarriage.
Pressures of society can prompt one to bottle up their emotions, particularly when they’re of the somber/recovering variety. In enjoyable defiance, “Breakdown” plays like a cathartic call for encouragement, for those to let their emotions flow and process fully, rather than keeping in bottled up inside. In cases of extreme tragedy, like the loss of a loved one, it can be particularly essential — encouraging much-needed connection in times where one feels abjectly alone.
“Just let me say it,” the vocals let out in the more understated vocals, rising into sweltering bursts of guitar and organ. “Just break down, you can break down,” they encourage. “I am here to hold you, so we can get close to our paradise.” It’s a moving display of connection and love in the face of tragedy, set against a powerful assortment of synths, guitars, and keys. The commanding vocal range, and haunting backing flourishes, add to the eclectic instrumentation. “Breakdown” is a gripping, emotively sincere success from J.MYSTERY.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of October 2023’ Spotify playlist.
