Single Review: PA1N x SAG3

Listening to Day13n’s new single PA1N x SAG3 is the stuff of nightmares, with a dark and edgy musicality underpinning the intensely whisper-screamed lyrics.

The song is divided into two halves, which nicely illustrates the forces of duality that are at play in the mind of the artist. An internal battle; to do better and to be better, but somehow still wracked with pain, fear and anger. And still pulled inexplicably into the quicksand of darkness despite their best efforts. The disappointment and confusion that follows. Such is the journey of personal growth and recovery.

The track has a lush landscape of musical elements; a blend of digitally created sounds layered with expertly played electric guitar, courtesy of producer Andrew Meyer. Day13n and Andrew came together at Parachute Studios with what they had each prepared, but left their collaboration open-ended enough to allow some room for improvisation in the moment. The use of guitar on this track is truly genius, when you realise how much of it there is, and how well it has been integrated into an electronic-based mode of production.

The results of this collaboration somewhat resemble a musical therapy session. The expression and exorcism of these pent-up negative emotions, followed by the self-reflective spoken word section over smooth warbling guitar tones, creates a calming and soothing repose.

The accompanying clip is both interesting and creative, Day13n’s first foray into creating in this form of media. It morphs and twists and flickers in an other-worldly way. I would have enjoyed it just as much without the lyrics on screen, I think, they were sometimes distracting and hard to read. Some very cool effects that remind me a little of what Ai does with clips, but these are created manually. Very clever.

PA1N x SAG3 finishes with the lines “The world is what you make of it, what am I gonna make of it?” This line sums up the determination and tenacity of the artist, and shows in the hard work that’s being put in. There’s a lot of talent here, and a lot of lived experience to be shared. I recommend checking out this artist’s other work also. Great work.