London’s AUNCE, with her well-defined edge and graceful presence, presents a debut single that’s far from typical. Released on November 8, “Beep Beep,” the first track from her seven-track EP, is a provocative and introspective journey that blends pulsating beats with a delicate vocal performance. AUNCE, pronounced “Aunts” (or “Arnts” for those in the know), isn’t just another name on the electronic music scene; she’s an artist who speaks the language of sound, confronting the complexities of human behavior, social issues, and self-perception with an alluring mix of sonic art and visceral rhythms. Let’s take a look at ‘beep beep’ below.
From the moment it begins, we are knocked into AUNCE’s world: “Beep Beep.” The words are simple yet undeniably striking, delivered with playfulness and power. The opening is brilliantly minimal—deep, pulsating beats pound like a heartbeat, setting the stage for the song’s deeper exploration. Over the top of these relentless rhythms, AUNCE’s voice enters, soft yet commanding. Her delivery feels detached as if she’s observing herself from an external point of view—a fitting approach given the theme of the song. The repetition of “Beep Beep” builds into something hypnotic and unsettling, as though each iteration is a warning sign flashing in a world that’s losing its sense of direction.
AUNCE’s vocal performance in “Beep Beep” is riveting. There’s a vulnerability in the way she sings, and yet, it’s laced with an undeniable strength. It’s as if she’s questioning herself, questioning us, and confronting a societal issue that we all grapple with in this digital age. The stark contrast of her delicate vocal tone against the harder and mechanical beats perfectly captures the conflict at the heart of “Beep Beep.”
The lyrics are a deep reflection on the difference between self-exploitation and empowerment in the age of social media. As she delves into the dark hints of self-sexualization, self-objectification, and the commodification of the human form on digital platforms, she doesn’t shy away from asking the tough questions: Are we truly empowered in a world where “sex sells” has evolved into an omnipresent marketing tool, or are we constricting our sense of identity, art, and body? It’s an exploration of the tension between self-love and the pressure to perform in the eyes of others. The lyrics cut through the noise of the digital world, urging us to think about how we sell ourselves in exchange for attention and how, in the process, we lose something far deeper.
Sonically, the production by AUNCE, with additional work by Chris Hyson, delivers an immersive, introspective, and confrontational electronic landscape. The beats, while steady and almost hypnotic, are coiled with sharp synths and atmospheric layers that create a feeling of physical and psychological space. There’s an underlying tension in the music, mirroring the internal struggles depicted in the lyrics. Percussion by Riki Gooch adds texture, bringing an organic element to the otherwise electronic-heavy track. Each layer of sound feels intentional, like a piece of a puzzle slowly coming together, revealing more about the complexities of our digital selves.
In conclusion, “Beep Beep” is an explosive debut that sets the stage for what’s sure to be an exciting journey ahead for AUNCE. She’s an artist who isn’t afraid to ask tough questions, and in doing so, she’s creating thought-provoking and infectious music. While I listened, I realized “Beep Beep” is not just a track to vibe to; it’s a song that made me think, feel, and reflect on the world around me. If this track is any indication, AUNCE is an artist I’ll be following closely as she continues to carve out her place in the world of electronic music. I entreat you to do the same also.
Listen to “Beep Beep” on Spotify
Follow AUNCE here for more information
