The LA-based alt-pop duo paer (spelling and capitalization correct) posted a TikTok at the end of October with the text “How making music feels sometimes”, showing them pacing around a room at double speed. However, from the sound of their new single “Power Lines”, you would not know that the work was such an intense labor, as every element of the song comes together to build a sonic dreamscape.
That musical tightness symbolizes the meaning of the song itself. “Power Lines” describes the feeling of hanging in the balance, wanting to hold onto whatever you can, even in moments of despair and intense emotion threatening to send you over the edge. The song builds up from a looser, sparser arrangement, crescendoing with pads and ethereal keys, as well as the immaculate vocal harmonies of Alex Stills and Anina Denove. It ends with both their voices soaring over the music, yearning for connection even when it’s impossible, as if trying to reach through the veil of consciousness.
“Power Lines” is a spiritual successor to “Red and Green”, which paer released in September, in that both songs explore the concept of finding balance in contradictions. “Power Lines” says “To be everything at once, to be nothing, in the same light”, where “Red and Green” says “But you made red and green and warmth into a banquet.” By examining these contradictions, these clashes between complementary colors and warring states of being, we can discover intricacies, ask new questions, and perhaps understand what it’s like to love, to grieve, to know ourselves.
But paer makes it clear – especially on “Power Lines” – that despite life’s frantic nature, the greatest desire is connection.
“Power Lines” marks paer’s third and final release of 2025, with more music on the way. You may follow them on Instagram or TikTok for updates about new tunes and live shows.
Written by Will Sisskind
