Harry Styles has released 'Aperture', the first single from his upcoming fourth album 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally', due in March. The track, produced with longtime collaborator Kid Harpoon, captures the excitement of new beginnings, inspired by Styles' desire to escape the liminal spaces of touring life.
The song builds slowly, with opening synth notes that are almost funereal before a stronger beat kicks in, sending currents of energy. Styles' lyrics, delivered in a vocoded murmur, are vignettes and half-phrases that leave interpretation to the listener. The chorus bursts with clarity: 'We belong together / It finally appears it's only love.'
Influences from Swedish pop icon Robyn and LCD Soundsystem are evident in the delayed-gratification structure. Robyn is set to open for Styles during his Amsterdam residency later this year. The track eschews traditional pop structures, evolving over five minutes like a spontaneous night out.
Styles seems to join artists like Chappell Roan, Charli XCX and Rosalía in pushing back against industry expectations. 'Aperture' feels less effortful than his previous work, sincere without being soppy, playful without being annoying. It invites listeners on a new adventure.
