Single Review: Pity Party

Fanfickk describes herself as an idealist. Since her debut EP Stay Shy in 2016, she has released a handful of lush, dreamy synth based songs with punchy drums and rich harmonies that let that idealism shine through. With her latest release, though, she lets a healthy dose of cynicism take the spotlight.

At first listen Fanfickk’s new track Pity Party is a solid indie-synthpop party banger, with an instantly catchy hook and all the same swells and drops as what you might hear in the club. Released on Valentine’s Day, Pity Party features booming bass, candid, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and deadpan delivery in a heavy Kiwi accent. At only two-and-a-half minutes long, it’s a burst of relatable downer feelings delivered in a high energy package that’s over all too soon.

Fanfickk is a one-woman (and one-cat, Dumpling) affair – everything is self-recorded and produced. Musically, Pity Party is straightforward, and Fanfickk’s arrangement and production gets the most out of it without ever overcomplicating anything. The song dances around the same chord for the entire duration while still constantly evolving.

With its vocal distortion and upbeat groove, Pity Party is reminiscent of Icona Pop’s 2012 hit I Love It (feat. Charli XCX), but with a heavy Kiwi flavour and more self-deprecation. It’s a departure from Fanfickk’s classic style and would be completely at home played on repeat at a girls’ night out at the end of a hard week.