Azusena's sound blooms with synths and honeyed vocals on "Better"

Occupying the same dark pop space as Kyla la Grange or Lykke Li, the new single builds on the synth-folk blueprint of last year’s debut single “Crosby”, taking a more experimental approach. “Better” is a collection of looped vocal samples, blooming synths and heartbeat-like basslines, swirling around the sun of Azusena’s vocals.

The sudden glitch in pace halfway through ensures listeners don’t get too comfortable, introducing pitched-down vocal samples that step in almost argumentatively, mirroring the lyrical themes of co-dependency and destructive relationships, and multiplying – almost mutating – throughout the song. Azusena’s honey-smooth voice acts as a grounding force, while never quite resolving the track’s inherent tension and mystery.