Bo Rocha - Hold My Gaze

There was a stage, somewhere between the rise of BANKS and whatever’s wallowing in Soundcloud’s deepest depths, where moody, noir-hued blog pop was enough. Pick a dark aesthetic, gloomy atmospherics - the job was done. The foundation of blog pop - experimenting with new tools, available to everyone - ended up being forgotten in lieu of music that blurred into one mushy ball of nothingness.

Bo Rocha’s come along to save the day. The London songwriter and producer stamps her trade on ‘Hold My Gaze’, a dazzlingly playful track that follows her ‘Even Green’ EP. On last year’s debut, Rocha used all the tools available to stand out in a crowd. This time, it comes more naturally. Vocals overlap in spiralling lines, like a spider’s web getting in formation. Bass-drenched production doesn’t overwhelm, precise percussion is used as an effect instead of a focal point. It shares traits with music that ticks similar boxes and ends up falling flat. But by daring to try something new, Rocha gives herself a fighting chance.

The crux of ‘Hold My Gaze’ is Bo Rocha herself, the control she applies through booming choruses and headrush instrumentals. Everything is about her craft. It’s more than worthy of turning heads.