Nashville-based artist Jessi Robertson‘s new single “Shadow War: Singularity” explores fear, division, and internal conflict within an enthralling art-pop mystique. Made in collaboration with Aaron Berg (Mountainwalker), the track layers atmospheric tension and haunting textures, reframing the original song from her acclaimed 2025 album Dark Matter (check out our feature here) to highlight empathy, transformation, and the human cost of “othering.” Jewish golem mythology and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein were both thematic points of inspiration. The poetic lyrics, shifting dynamics, and art-pop fervency mark a captivating, immersive success.
A chilly arsenal of piano and quivering vocal ardor combine to start. “I’m the creature no one knows,” Robertson’s riveting vocals let out. “Every day is a battle to stay on my feet,” they soar thereafter, invigorating in its vulnerability and ensuing drive to persevere, even while recognizing oneself as “the enemy.” It’s an artful lyrical approach, tactfully confronting the harm of “othering” people and classifying people as threats, malice, or otherwise overly presumptuous labels.
The poetic lyrical content — and particularly the “I rose like a ghost…” representations of transformation — moves within a consuming art-pop fervency, reminding fondly of Kate Bush in its emotively crafted charm. “Shadow War: Singularity” is a thorough success from Jessi Robertson, succeeding in its compelling melodic expanse and gripping lyrical prowess.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
