Chlo Subia calls out a complacent partner "Without Mercy"

“Without Mercy” joins previous singles “Stairways”, “More Than A Feeling” and “STARSIGN” in building the musical world of L.A.-based R&B artist Chlo Subia, all following her tried-and-tested formula of desire-laden, dreamy, and emotive projections. Her high notes and whistle-tones are as compelling as her murmured moments, and her choral vocal layers and swelling, starry production always shine.

On “Without Mercy”, Subia weaves a tale of one of those arguments. “You know I fight without mercy,” she sings, imploring her partner to do the same, “don’t hold it back, boy, just give it to me.” But unlike all the songs out there about regretting things you wish you’d not said, feeling sorry that you’ve lost your temper and hurt someone, wanting to take things back, Subia is begging for that kind of passion back from her partner - because anger means you care. Alas, he’s “got nothing to say."

""Without Mercy" shares a point in my past relationship when I realised how different standards of communication can make or break your connection," Subia explains. "Even if someone isn't doing something necessarily "wrong," you feel that they're not showing up because of the way they communicate - if they're even communicating at all. Wild."

Her glowing tone gives away “Without Mercy”s emotional core, evocatively and painfully. Rather than feeling brash, hot-tempered or fierce, Subia is equal parts sorrowful and composed. Her lilting verses and sweeping melodies are an exercise in controlled emotional outpouring, letting herself plead for a moment in her mid-tones then reeling herself back in and reminding herself that she’s in charge, and right to demand what she needs.

Starting songwriting at the age of 15, Subia has utilised her artistic identity to authentically delve into topics from love and heartbreak, to personal growth and challenges. What resonates most with audiences is the diaristic and candidly raw emotions she paints her tunes with, and bottling this essence, it feels like she'll have a long future of doing just that.