BŠĀR’s new single “Venus” does not mess around. It pounds with pop conviction from first second, and pulses with unbridled freshness and energy. It’s fizzy and sharp and sonically engaging. Nothing about the production is unprofessional, but nothing is heavy handed or blaring either. The synths are crystalline, and ride atop a hip-hop and funk-referencing beat that’s irresistible. The songwriting is top notch as well, particularly the way that the parts of the track don’t step on each other. The drums have space to groove, the synths let the guitars speak, and the guitars shine when the vocal takes a breath. Which is often.
Sonically, “Venus” could almost be a collection of pop faves ready to dance. But lyrically, it paints a story more naked and vulnerable than a dime store novel (love story, longing, and self-doubt, BŠĀR style). The name itself, the roman goddess of love and beauty, plays well as both a metaphor, as well as a personal plea. Call me sappy, but there is something so raw about the exploration of this fear. The fear of loss, of being unseen, forgotten, left behind. Of not being enough. In a pop-culture world that weighs women’s values by their ability to stay young, stay attractive, stay seen. “Venus” may just be real pop music with feeling, and how often can you say that?
As usual, BŠĀR is a one man band, and plays and programs every note with love and care. This is particularly apparent with the personal touches that makes the track distinctive, as well as the balance of genre. Synthpop with a light R&B shading, a rock strut, and a funk backbone to keep things interesting every second. Each note and each measure are crafted perfectly—there are no throw away or half-assed decisions here. Bright, brave, and brazen as hell. “Venus” is a smart package with a good message to say, but wrapped up in a beat that will make you want to dance like no one is watching. And in terms of BŠĀR’s discography to date, it is as most pop-forward, and potentially, as most powerful as he’s ever sounded.
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