The gripping debut album from Alessiah, Obscentra marks her bold step into adulthood and artistic self-realization. Building on nearly a decade in music and over two dozen singles, Alessiah crafts a world of dark electro-pop where obsession, seduction, and vulnerability intertwine. Across 14 tracks, hypnotic synths, glitchy beats, and cinematic textures present a moody, immersive universe — where emotional chaos meets transformation, and resulting cycles of desire, pain, and self-discovery.
The album consistently stirs in its atmospheric prowess, and it’s evident right away with “loop – intro.” A drip-dropping synth and gentle percussive pitter-patter move hypnotically, as lush spacey synth frequencies linger underneath. The vocal infusion lends a chilly entrancement, swiping at those who think they’re different — but are part of a story that “always ends the same.” The haunting “made you cry” ensues, enveloping in its dark pop allure. “If I made you cry / I did it ‘cause I / I love you,” Alessiah sings, artfully capturing the paradox of hurting someone while desperately clinging to them. Trickling guitars, buzzing synths, and layered backing vocals lead a moody gem of a production.
Another standout, “best friends” showcases Alessiah’s ability to craft lusher, folk-set realms as well. Serene piano and tender acoustics complement a spine-tingling vocal introspection, willing to entertain partial truths in exchange for closeness. “Even if you’re lying, I don’t care where you’ve been,” Alessiah’s vocals creep forth during a riveting bridge, culminating in string-laden “make this right” aspirations. Obscentra largely delves into more nocturnal, electronic-forward soundscapes, though with “best friends” unveils a particularly dynamic charm in its folk and pop intertwining.
“addicted” is further exemplary of Alessiah’s knack for memorable songcraft. “Addicted to the chaos, addicted to the fall,” Alessiah admits amidst pulsing synths and an ethereal, wordless vocal backing. The lyricism succeeds in capturing both the turmoil of love tangled and self-destruction — where addiction to chaos and fleeting desire leads to regret, guilt, and the desperate hope for forgiveness. The ensuing “hot like this” exudes a steamier pop charisma. Sensual vocal intermingling and bouncy bass/synth interplay bolster lyrics that invoke catharsis empowerment through desire and release.
Succeeding with a similar thematic pull, “boy toy” explores the intoxicating push-pull of desire and power in relationships, where attraction blurs into danger. Obscentra consistently enamors with tracks that balance mood, emotion, and stylistic variety. With Obscentra, Alessiah cements her artistic coming-of-age, delivering a debut that lingers with both melodic hookiness and emotional weight.
