Kaciny’s debut single, Happy Thoughts, immediately strikes the senses with its pop-punk-esque staccato guitar chops before erupting into an anthem impaled by indie jangle pop hooks. The euphoric production is affectingly juxtaposed with bittersweet lyricism, offering a protest against the trite rhetoric often directed towards those with a natural proclivity for melancholy.
Kaciny’s soulfully sardonic grace in addressing this phenomenon sets her apart from her contemporaries. Her ability to capture the essence of ennui while simultaneously critiquing societal pressures to remain perpetually upbeat delivers a potent shot of vindication for listeners who struggle with their own black dog. The earworm is a visceral ride through the rage-fuelled frustrations of wanting acceptance as you are, pensive tendencies and all.
Brooklyn-born and Mississippi-based, Kaciny grew up surrounded by a musically accomplished family, which heavily influenced her artistic journey. Her background, combined with influences from bands like Bloc Party and Paramore, and artists such as Santigold and Dionne Farris, shapes her unique sound. By the age of 20, Kaciny had already made her mark as a songwriter for notable artists like Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown.
Happy Thoughts is a testament to Kaciny’s stripes as a storyteller and musician. This flawlessly fierce alt-indie pop-rock release is so much more than the sum of its sonic parts. It’s an opportunity for listeners to reclaim their true identity and celebrate the beauty in feeling deeply as an involuntary rejection of superficiality.
Happy Thoughts will be officially released on June 28; stream the single on SoundCloud.
Review by Amelia Vandergast