Heartbreak 2020 by KAMAKSHI KHANNA is a dream pop EP united through the theme of modern loneliness and the struggle to find the right person for you in the current age. The EP begins on a downward note with a sense of desperation waning into acceptance that there will never be the right love for them. However, as the EP draws to a close, there is an optimistic spin on the final track that changes the vibe of the EP around completely. It is a personal pet peeve of mine when a project draws attention to a problem with no overall message or opportunity to improve it. This project feels cathartic as a listener because there is a sense of positivity at the end. Knowing there is some form of hope or change makes Heartbreak 2020 feel far more rounded and satisfying to listen to.
The opening track, I Blew It, shows excellent vocal delivery, managing to feel confident while exuding emotional honesty in a way that connects to the listener. The backing track leans into that sentiment with a shiny timbre but uneasy melody. This tension between the ethereal timbre and subtly sinister melody reflects the tension in the narrative. It is a nice touch to see the lyrics mirrored in the tone of the instrumental. This choice emphasises the cohesion of all aspects of the song.
The next track, Love Is Not A Fucking Game, challenged my expectations. From the title, I assumed it would be an aggressive and confident ballad about being wronged in love. Although there are moments of that, the track feels more sad than angry. There is a sense that the lover is deflated and tired of being messed around.
The penultimate track, Tourist, also stood out to me for taking the vocals to the next level with beautiful harmonies, emphasising the emotional rawness of that moment. There are moments at the top of KHANNA’s register where the emotional core of the track peaks through. The use of harmonies draws the subtle passion in her cadence out even further.
The final track, Heartbreak 2020, takes the concept of love being near-impossible to find in the modern world and accepts that in its stride. It uses a bold and bright brass accompaniment and a positive vocal tone to repackage the suffering of the previous songs into challenges to beat.
This song is a beautiful message to end on. That perspective can affect how listeners interpret all aspects of life, not just love. The delivery is also a treat from beginning to end, with luscious vocal motifs and beautiful, connected production that elevates the EP’s themes.
Leave a Reply