Fedge’s latest single “Invisible to You” is an electronic pop song about the paradoxical predicament of being publicly invisible and privately fetishized. Although perhaps applying only to so many people, it’s a necessary theme that everyone needs to consider; far more people than the victims are the perpetrators, and more people need to prevent such a thing in the first place.
The sound is 80s-inspired in its composition; interestingly, it has the heart occasionally found in bubbly synth-pop, especially thanks to many of Fedge’s downright nice and personable smooth vocal stylings, but a bit more the production style of bleepy electropop in the bright timbre of its synths. Remarkably, “Invisible to You’s” disarming and chipper approach balances cuteness with firmness; Fedge asserts his humanity over objectification with irresistible aplomb.
The song’s clean and very neatly arranged layers are welcome: a few effected snare hits, tom accents, guitar bits, and windy background synths add detail and interest; it works because the concern of the song is two-sided and forces us to continuously wrap our heads around it. Whereas a few of the melodies are wistful, asking if the day will come that things change for the better, the backing vocals and melody at the bridge add a touch of warmth and hope to the song, suggesting that we can indeed convince people to stop treating each other as objects.
The overall aesthetic is certainly pleasing, but one can’t help but wonder if it’s too agreeable, too middling. The vocals at the chorus should be an octave higher to lift it above monotony and bring it more conviction. Where the logos of its lyricism is no issue, its musical pathos would better grace the listener with a dreamier, more ethereal approach: more reverb and another octave raising on the lead synth during the hook, and a bigger, perhaps blurrier bass synth sound. After all, the kind of people who most need to hear the message of this song are probably (as Andy Warhol might put it) “deeply superficial.” Who else would reduce a person to a fetish?
Despite these critiques, there’s a certain kind of genius in Fedge’s ability to explain the paradox described in his song—without ever being hostile no less; his lyrics are an honest plea for fair and considerate treatment. Ultimately, Fedge’s message, intentions, bright and clean production style, and careful attention to detail are what shine through most, proving that he can stand up for anyone who’s been mistreated with the best tactic of all: a thoughtful, friendly, and heartfelt tune!
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About the Author
Dusk writes as a volunteer for The Q because propagandizing for the gay agenda is cool and badass. Some of their favorite genres of music are symphonic power metal, death metal, everything goth, dream pop, shoegaze, and black metal (the kind that doesn’t espouse right-wing poseur dreck). They believe that the best way to achieve social justice is through economic justice, which can only be secured through organized, cooperative, mass political action. They do not use social media publicly, but accept hate mail, death threats, and all other compliments at duskarts@protonmail.com.