phem’s “brkdwn” is this summer’s most exhilarating freedom anthem

Some people call phem’s music ‘hyperpop’ and that’s certainly a good description of the chorus in "brkdwn"; but this is an artist who can’t be pigeonholed that easily as they nod to the sounds of The Ramones, too. While singing lines like “I just want to feel alive, so bring it on / Feel so happy I could die, I’m not done”, they remind listeners of joy, a call to look past concerns and reunite.

“There’s no denying that each and every one of us has struggled emotionally, mentally, physically or had some hardship within the last two years or so,” the L.A indie star explains of "brkdwn". “I wanted to create an anthem that could allow us to celebrate our pain together, and flip it into something positive.”

Still, phem’s music is often midtempo and melodic, like last year’s “Self-Control” and the John Lennon-esque gem "useless". Writing some of the most intriguing song titles you’ll ever see ("crypto bitxh", "stfu."), the latter of which featured on last year’s album how u stop hating urself Part 1.5, there’s a certain irony to their work with the record being the exact opposite of a saccharine self-help session. As a result, phem has built a worldwide 'femily' as each new song defies expectations.

Having collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Travis Barker, Tyler Posey and Machine Gun Kelly, they align themself closer to alt-pop/punk icons too with singing to Hopeless Records (New Found Glory, Neck Deep, Sum 41).

Full of wonderful morsels that make listening a pleasure, phem’s "brkdwn" will surely generate buzz ahead of their appearance at Reading & Leeds this August.