For AICK’s second single of 2024, they’ve released “You’re Not As Tired As I” as an exploration of the thin line between vulnerability and strength. Knowing that you can rely on yourself is often a good thing, and that independence is an important trait to have; but, oftentimes people can fall into the pitfall of believing that they’re the only ones they can depend on, and end up denying the help of those around them. We close ourselves off and turn away, believing that to be the best option for ourselves. AICK’s single points out the inner turmoil we go through when that’s the case. It takes a lot of strength to be open and vulnerable, and with the track’s eclectic mixture of disjointed synth and heavy percussion, this is a song whose soundscape is original and message integral.
I think what’s going to be most prominent to people when listening to “You’re Not As Tired As I” is the soundscape. Its complexity is so much fun to listen to with its layers of synth and percussion, all being tied together with smoother-than-butter vocals. Around the song’s middle, there is a sudden split in tone, and listeners get treated to a super slick bass as the track becomes a little more lighter, energetic; I love the change, and I think that it keeps the track fresh and original. Listeners are able to hear two fairly different soundscapes, one being lower and the other far more upbeat, but they match one another so well with their instrumentals and vocals keeping them in the same realm. And then AICK adds those amazing lyrics to an already amazing track, and now you get a song with both a fantastic soundscape and meaningful lyrics. “You’re Not As Tired As I” comments on our wants and needs to lean on another person for help, but the resistance we put up against it. The line “In the dark you won’t see me cry” emphasizes our need to hide our fears, our need for help. The rest of the lyrics follow a similar pattern of the narrator both asking and resisting help, at once wanting someone to hold their hand but then turning around to say that they won’t see them cry. “You’re Not As Tired As I” is just one of those songs that has a million ways you can listen to it, and it’s definitely a track for those of you who like a varied listening experience with songwriting that speaks from the heart.
Composed of guitarist Eik Buhl Petterson and dancer and pianist Helene Høier, AICK is an alt-pop duo that hails from Copenhagen. The high school friends focus their music on youth, confusion, and stubbornness, while combining dreamily bold soundscapes that have their listeners getting lost in. While Petterson is most comfortable in the studio, Høier enchants stages with her presence and contemporary dance moves. The duo debuted in 2021 with their eponymous EP “AICK”, which was later followed by a few singles in 2023, as well as another EP entitled “Long Intermission”. “You’re Not As Tired As I” follows AICK’s second single of 2024, “Actor”. You should absolutely be listening to the rest of AICK’s discography if you enjoyed “You’re Not As Tired As I”!
Written By Alexa Leung
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