Synth Single Review: “Afterimage” by Radical Bicep & Diamond Ace

by Karl Magi

Radical Bicep & Diamond Ace’s “Afterimage” explores internal struggle and change, beginning with gargantuan rhythmic heft that spreads outward with conviction. Subtle phosphorescence swells before the heaving bottom end pulses, joined by Lisa Marie Perkins’ captivating performance, carrying emotion with earnestness as she drives her message into me with undeniable expression.

As the chorus bursts like a brilliant sun, positivity reverberates above massive underpinnings before a rhythmic heartbeat charges once more. Glistening like thousands of tiny fireflies, synth shimmers before Diamond Ace’s guitar draws images of hope and resilience. He paints a portrait of struggle and resolution with sonic colour and intricacy. Lisa Marie Perkins transforms her vocals into a journey of discovery and emotion before the song closes.

“Everyone has their monsters in the mirror” that stare back at you. The narrator asks where we go when we are lost and when we die, wondering if it’s the sky above. She is “chasing things you wouldn’t imagine, I’m chasing my own reflection,” as she points out that kindness trails you wherever you go, adding, “When you’ve been so hurt, you give it back.” As the song concludes, she says, “Hearing the cracking of a metamorphosis is coming to life in the shadows, everyone fights their monsters.”