Enigmatic artist Alexandra Savior pierces through the clamour in “HOWL”

Some songs transpire naturally, organically, with a hook and a melody that demands to be heard by the masses and initiated as a new indie anthem, but others are far more discrete, lurking in the periphery and taking the more winding route. For Alexandra Savior, the creation of her new single “HOWL” was definitely what one would consider “long ball”.

Penned as a piece of poetry that was featured on one of Savior’s four-track recorded “experimental sound tapes”, the Oregon-based artist never had any intention of “HOWL” ever being shared with the outside world. However, the piece proved tricky to put down, remerging over the years and bugging Savior to continue building its narrative.

Inspired in part by Humbert Humbert - the narrator of seminal novel Lolita - the track sees Savior examine the dynamic of psychological manipulation in a relationship and the confusion that ensues. Imbued by eerie synths and hefty basslines, “HOWL”’s psychedelic tendencies meander in a kaleidoscopic collusion of sound that is as captivating and inviting as it is, at times, unsettling. Accompanied by stunning visuals and a retro aesthetic, the video captures the physical fatigue and isolation that comes with a lethargic mind.

“For the video for ‘HOWL’ I let director Nina Ljeti (who also fronts Los Angeles-based band Kills Birds) take the reins,” shares Savior of the collaboration. “I enjoyed her concept because it involved me laying down for essentially the entire video. I think she did a great job creating a beautiful and emotional video to accompany the song.”