How all I feel is “Eusexua” in a sea of new releases
FKA Twigs “Eusexua” Review
This article is part of The G Spot, a weekly segment where criticista Gordistotle gives insight into the pop culture happenings of now through opinions or anecdotes on his life living in Toronto.
September 19th, 2024 | Written by Gordistotle
Amongst what feels like an unprecedented amount of new music, 2024 has been non stop releases from everyone and their mother. Now that the post-Covid floodgates are open, artists are ravenous to recoup their losses from two years of no touring, and I can’t blame them. Just this week, artists like The Weeknd, Katy Perry, Tate McRae, and Charli XCX all dropped new singles, however, all I’ve been listening to is “Eusexua”, FKA Twigs’ latest track. Yes, I’m different. Sorry major labels, you can’t predict my listening patterns!
It’s never been Twigs’ desire to produce radio staples like the other artists mentioned, and sometimes it’s refreshing to take a break from focus-group’d to death pop music. “Eusexua” differentiates itself from the other major releases this week by not reeking of desperation to command the listener’s attention. While the popular music of today heavily relies on samples, repetitive hooks, and 2 minute run times, it works in Twigs’ favour to subvert from what’s mainstream. Instead of your music drowning into the rest of the releases, it sticks out like a sore thumb in the best way.
This was my issue with Twigs’ last project ‘Caprisongs’, I found it uninspired compared to her previous work. While I know it was (for the most part) a fun project created during the pandemic, it was a bit of a let down compared to ‘Magdalene’. Of course, there’s bops, but it’s like, I know you’re capable of more than just playlist filler “bops”, and to me, that’s what ‘Caprisongs’ was: too accessible. Maybe I’m just salty “pamplemousse” wasn’t longer… sullied the whole project for me.
Yes, it’s hard not to sound pretentious when talking about this, but FKA Twigs is truly creating art through her music in an oversaturated industry whose main focus has shifted to gaming the social media algorithms. Again, there’s no other word for it than refreshing. It feels good to have a song that’s 4 minutes long, fully fleshed out, and actually has a build up! I’m so tired of sanitized tracks that go nowhere, enough with ear worms! It’s lobotomy music, I want to think again.
Her dedication to her craft bleeds into everything she does, from the intricate choreographies to immaculate control of her voice. She’s classically trained in ballet and opera since a young age and we can tell! Her dancing abilities put the average pop star to shame, with control and intent behind her moves. There’s no flailing here. From gracefully maneuvering the stripper pole to tight choreography, she demonstrates full control of her movements at professional-level precision.
I was thinking I had to compare her to current or past artists, but I really think she’s doing her own thing, it wouldn’t do her justice to make haphazard comparisons. Just last year she had 85 demos leak and instead of hastily throwing an album together, she scrapped everything she was working on to completely start from scratch. That said, I would totally never listen to said leaked demos, I’m a good person.
It’s this strive for perfection and having the patience to properly execute a concept that has kept Twigs leaps and bounds ahead of her peers. The ‘Caprisongs’ mixtape was released 3 years ago and ‘Magdalene’, her second studio album, 3 years before that. Not many artists could survive taking gaps that long yet Twigs can. Her music isn’t something one gets sick of quickly like candy, it’s more like a nice savory meal that needs a couple listens to fully digest. There’s new things to find each time you listen. I sound so douchey right now, but it’s true!
This brings us back to her latest release “Eusexua”, the lead single and title track of her newest album. The trance track takes inspiration from her time living in Prague and the city's rave scene. And. I. Actually. Love. It. That feeling of trying to find love in a world that’s more connected than ever, while simultaneously intensely isolated from each other. When you’re on the dance floor and your mind starts wandering. Don’t call it love despite these strong emotions you’re feeling for this person, don’t take your love too far.
The singer has been spreading this mission statement to define the era across social media:
EUSEXUA IS A PRACTICE.
EUSEXUA IS A STATE OF BEING.
EUSEXUA IS THE PINNACLE OF HUMAN EXPERIENCE.
I interpret it as the state of being in love, but unable to confess just yet, be it with someone you’ve dated for months or just a one night fling. It’s uncomfortable love. But those are just my thoughts, your eusexua could mean anything.
What’s really exciting about this album is the rollout process. For some reason, the switch has flipped. Mainstream artists with all the budget their label throws at them release a single with little promotion and then the entire album a week later. No build up, no interviews, just an album and tour announcement. Maybe they’ll even release a remix or two, or eighteen. The artists with die-hard fan bases, like Twigs, play the long game, gradually engaging fans and casual listeners through interviews and performances. Which really makes a memorable experience for the fan. So far, ‘Eusexua’ is my most anticipated album of 2025, and thankfully, I’ll only have to wait until January 24th.