Shybaby juxtaposes order and chaos on latest single “Kiki doesn't like it when you leave me at the party”

Shybaby returns with a blisteringly honest track on the primal desire for love and the strength to break free from a resigned existence as a novelty plaything of the toxically bored and dispassionate; "Kiki doesn't like it when you leave me at the party"

There's a surprising amount of melody compressed into the track's helter skelter pacing, revealing another facet of Shybaby's creative potential beyond the avalanche of abrasive cacophony that typically defines their musical output. The dynamic juxtaposition between chaos and order is a deft reinterpretation of classic alternative rock's templatized "loud-quiet-loud" formula, chucked into a blender and mutilated on high until the only remaining chunks have been pulverized beyond recognition into a mesmerizing pulp of sound and fury and color, harmonious in the gleeful embrace of abject nonconformity.

Compositionally this is reflective of the tracks narration, an essay on the internal conflict between the seemingly incongruous desires for a stable romantic partnership and the inherent unwillingness to declare with conviction a true commitment after enduring a toxic situation. There is a very human need for love and companionship, but a deeply animal instinct that makes us averse to pain, especially when the pain is familiar. Giving in can feel like walking into a trap, so rather the beast remains willingly elusive and perpetually at odds with the more civilized refinements of a committed partnership. In the aftermath of an especially toxic relationship the animal instinct takes the lead, preventing further harm based on the trauma of past experiences by creating a vacuum of distance between future partners that gnaws incessantly at the already wounded psyche.

There are many ways to heal and work ones way back to the light; therapy, faith, an act of creation, and Shybaby's confessional nature structures "Kiki" as one of these methods, a dayglo explosion of love and loss and longing released with the unmitigated fury of boundless joy and self-love. By standing firm, no longer running from the stalking shadow of past abuse, a path forward is carved through sheer willpower. A radiant heart beating in time through a cleansing waterfall of diamond shining tears. 

Co-directed by Shybaby frontwoman Grace Eire and Molly Mary O'Brien, "Kiki" casts Eire as a deliriously glitter encrusted piece of human furniture, tossed about the back of an ever moving U-Haul like so much outmoded bric-a-brac accumulated from Goodwills and yard sales in the endless nomadic trudge of our 20s. It's symbolic of the track's frank discussions of the elusiveness of true romance and the feeling of being just another "thing" collected by an uncaring partner with a wandering eye, carted about from place to place until eventually discarded or gambled away when no longer useful. Positioned in the center of the truck, Eire reigns like a retro roller derby queen aware of her position in this tale but taking full control by remaining the center of the action at all times, daring the uncaring to forget about her with the steely-eyed tenacity that made Alanis Morrisette's 1995 single "You Oughta Know" burn with vengeful acidity.

Shybaby are gearing up to release their debut LP, Is This Intimate, this Fall. Follow Shybaby on Instagram for the latest.