Following a preview in a Pride month collaboration with WEBTOON, Australian singer-songwriter MAY-A officially released her latest single, “Something Familiar.” The song was featured in a webcomic miniseries centered on queer love, alongside other episodes with Hayley Kiyoko and Ava Max.
“Something Familiar” details the heart-wrenching urge to return to what you know — even when it’s bad for you. The familiarity is intoxicating, luring you into situations, desperate for what you once had but can no longer be.
This song feels like a sweeter sibling to “Sweat You Out My System” or a continuation of “Swing of Things” from ‘don’t kiss your friends.’ Continuing the theme of being addicted to somebody that you’re not quite able to kick. The sad familiarity of a person, their house and their things, no matter how much time you spend away from them, everything feels like it goes back to that first time you were together when you see them again.
~ MAY-A
The indie pop artist brings rock influences with a solid guitar backing that builds in noise as MAY-A belts in the chorus, going back and forth on what to do about this addiction to a person. MAY-A masterfully balances more acoustic strumming and softer vocals with higher energy, passionate moments.
Just small dose to get me high
~ “Something Familiar”
I’m still a sucker every time
For something familiar,
Walking back, back thru that door
Feel I could kill ya,
I hate myself but I hate you more
The single was released alongside a visualizer, showcasing MAY-A singing in a field. Her facial expressions — from anger to confusion to distress to wistfulness — dominate the video, accompanied by aesthetic experimental shots with grainy filters or wide-range moving shots. The cinematography feels immersive, as if viewers are right alongside MAY-A dancing their hearts out in moments of catharsis.
MAY-A is building anticipation for her upcoming EP, ANALYSIS PARALYSIS, which will be unveiled September 1 under Atlantic Records. The tracklist features seven songs, starting with “Something Familiar.” Since 2021’s EP Don’t Kiss Ur Friends, fans have been desperate for more. She has Australian tour dates August 19 and 20 and will appear at Australia’s Spilt Milk in November and December. Check out tickets for all upcoming shows here, and don’t forget to connect with MAY-A on her website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok because more is coming soon.
Featured photo credit to @xingerxanger
Leave a comment