Lys Allen’s “Columbia” feels like a sonic leap toward a dramatic feeling—urgent, radiant, and chaotic. The beats pulse like adrenaline, and the fiery ending leaves a lasting mark. There’s something beautifully conflicting about its different textures but angsty lyrics. Still, maybe that’s just dream pop being dreamy, romantic and dramatic. Also, as a Taurus, I did take Allen’s previous Taurus Hate Club moniker a bit personally and welcome the change (I’m just joking). However, I am taken by the way Allen describes their music as a soundtrack for late nights and soft hearts because it’s an unashamed proclamation and so fitting with this sound.
With only two tracks on Spotify, Lys is still emerging, but “Columbia” is promising. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to run toward something, even if you’re not sure what it is yet. I appreciate how Allen describes the feeling of trying to be hopeful while still carrying the weight of everything you’ve survived. The hook soars, but the heart of the song stays grounded in that soft, emotional core.
Written by Nthatile Mavuso
