“Playing Pretend” is an alluring new single from Aaron Bogin, weaving introspective lyrics with glistening guitars and soaring vocal layers. Written during a songwriting course with Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief, the track reflects on the tension between authenticity and the roles demanded in daily life, channeling self-reflection through a polished indie-pop lens.
“My head in the clouds, so pink and white,” an introspective vocal feeling emanates amidst pulsing guitars. The lyrics equate oneself to a passer-by, rather than the main character to a movie — and in turn channel a relatable, amiable quality, traversing into a hopeful “If I’m lucky I’ll be better at playing pretend this time.” Glistening guitars push into the “everyone’s been asking” expanse — where fervent vocal layers and rousing “I don’t dream anymore” admissions rouse with their layered, melodic charm. “Playing Pretend” is a stirringly melodic success from Aaron Bogin.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
