“international art thief” – RX1F
Artist: RX1F Single: international art thief Genre: Electronica, Vaporwave, 80s Nostalgia Release Date: August 13, 2023
RX1F’s latest track, “international art thief,” transports listeners on a cosmic journey through a blend of spacey electronica with nostalgic 80s vibes, wrapped in modern production. The song conjures visions of cruising along a vaporwave highway, with pixelated landscapes whizzing past like scenes from an 80s movie’s late-night drive sequence. The best I can describe RX1F’s sound and visuals is like a VHS video that’s been scaled up to 4k.
The song’s spacey and processed vocals tell the track’s story–one of stepping up to the plate when it matters the most while knowing that nothing matters in the end. The lyrics of the song, though occasionally difficult to discern, offer thought-provoking themes of taking charge in crucial moments juxtaposed with a nihilistic perspective on life’s ultimate meaninglessness. One feels the need to try their damndest when given an opportunity, but when nothing matters in the end, what is it that we’re fighting for? “It’s all just a part we play in this game.” This dichotomy adds layers to the upbeat and pulsating instrumental, although at times, it feels like they’re at odds with each other. “International Art Thief” teeters on the edge of corniness with its uplifting tone but manages to stay grounded, maintaining a captivating allure. This reviewer yearns for a darker and grittier exploration from RX1F, which could potentially elevate their already intriguing sound.
The track maintains a focused approach and doesn’t hesitate to dive into its main instrumental, paying mind to the old adage, “don’t bore us, get to the chorus.” The song delivers and continues delivering, adding and taking away instruments, and telling a fully fleshed out story–there’s never a dull moment.
RX1F presents a unique take on modern electronic music with “international art thief.” While there’s room for exploration and refinement, the abundance of ideas showcased in this track is commendable. It’ll be fascinating to witness RX1F’s evolution from here. I could easily imagine one of their tracks cracking the TikTok code and achieving viral success while staying true to their distinct sound.
