IRINA IMME’S NEW POP-ROCK SONG “BOXES” WILL MAKE YOU RE-CONSIDER CHRONIC SINGLEHOOD

The revival of 00s pop-rock, characterized by distorted guitars and highly produced lead vocals, is a mixed bag. On the one hand, the revival allows newer voices to take the mic, including global ones who may not have gotten the chance to initially. On the other hand, sometimes catchy choruses are prioritized over emotional vulnerability. Irina Imme’s single, “Boxes,” sits somewhere in the middle of those two lanes.

Initially, Imme’s sound does a lot of great things. She experiments with the classic pop-rock guitars that we know and love while mixing them with trap beats in the bridge. That kind of experimentation adds depth to a track that otherwise focuses on a repetitive chorus. Sometimes, the more clever aspects of her work are overshadowed by overly autotuned lead vocals. Autotune is a powerful tool, but when used excessively, it can become overbearing and challenging to listen to.

That said, Imme has a fantastic vocal range on her own, gliding between a lovely, healthy falsetto and warmer lower tones. Her vocal placement suggests that she is comfortable singing in a language that may not be her native tongue. Similarly, her English lyrics don’t feel forced, which can happen for international artists who speak a different first language.

However, production choices like the autotuned vocal and chorus structure leave a bit to be desired from “Boxes.” Irina Imme is on her way with promising musical talent, but the single needs a slight push in a slightly different direction. Adding a trap-pop beat to the chorus was a genius move that she should consider again, even though it got a bit lost in “Boxes.”