KIRSTEN IZER EXPLORES SELF-IMAGE IN HER RAW, POWERFUL SONG “ANYONE BUT ME”
On the surface, “Anyone But Me” by Kirsten Izer seems like a pleasant, melodic song filled with catchy hooks. On closer inspection, the track opens up to reveal incredible, dark details and themes through piercing lyrics that put you in her shoes.
The strum of an acoustic guitar leads the song, creating a punchy melody that pairs nicely with the bright tones. Izer leads the song with raspy, raw vocals that are equal parts authentic and polished. Her harmonization is flawless, and the backing male vocals complement her in a flawless execution.
She does a phenomenal job transporting listeners into her mind through her storytelling and hypnotizing vocals. The track explores the mismatch between her brain and body, capturing the raw angst that comes with it. Her perfectly etched lyrics convey the haunting feeling of being trapped in a body, comparing it to clawing one's way out of a prison cell. From lyrics like “shifted my shape” and “T-shirt fits too tight,” the achy feeling is explored in both a symbolic and straightforward way.
Towards the last minute of the four-minute song, it transitions into a trance of harmonizing vocals that make for an ethereal-sounding conclusion. It’s such a fitting mesh of vocals that personify the feeling of a confused and disoriented self-identity.
The production on this track is truly top-tier, highlighting all of Izer’s strengths while still maintaining the genuine, original construction of the song. Less is truly more, and “Anyone But Me” proves that. This is hands-down her best song, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for Kirsten Izer.
