LA-based alt-pop artist KiNG MALA aka Areli Castro, has just released her latest single “GØD.” Continuing on the macabre themes found throughout her discography, KiNG MALA explores obsession and power, creating a foreboding narrative fans of UPSAHL and Ashnikko will enjoy.
Drawing inspiration from everything from Catholicism to brutalist architecture, the contrast between the airy layered vocals and the sharp synth sounds creates a haunting atmosphere with a boomy kick drum adding to the dramatic tone. The choir-like backing vocals give the song a needed hook and let the audience know what to expect from eerie lyrics. While staying within the tone her listeners recognize, KiNG MALA focuses on atmosphere, which feels like a natural progression in her artistry.
KiNG MALA shares that “this is a song about power and God and what you are willing to do to transcend into deification,” and the lyrics take no time to hide this. From the perspective of a god-like creature, the song explores an obsessive desire for power with lyrics like, “A dog at the door / Devoured by desire / It’s the fate of life,” creating a twisted image of longing. The vocal delivery gives a siren-like quality to the lyrics with the tormenting “You say you want to be a god?” creating an allure for the listener to follow.
Ultimately, KiNG MALA constructs a new world for listeners to explore while remaining faithful to the lyrical concepts and tone that she has built over previous projects.
