REVIEW: bad tuner’s New Single “Oxygen” Will Help You Bypass the Seven Stages of Grief

Q&AMusic

Jul 11

☆ BY Maya Mathur ☆

THE COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE OF HEARTBREAK — is something that tends to unite young adults, whether it be searching for solace and catharsis through the tenuous intricacies of hookup culture or crying their hearts out while singing (read: screaming) and dancing in some random bar in Brooklyn. All the while, you’re reminiscing on the person that probably knew you best and mourning the relationship. Brooklyn-based bad tuner’s new single captures the nuances within the end of the relationship — the bad, the good, and everything of the strange flotsam in between.

With an amalgam of dreamlike fervor, an aching search within the drawling vocals and phrases of piano and ’90s era–inspired visuals (think VHS or the opening to your favorite ’90s sitcom), “Oxygen” is guaranteed to, ironically enough, take your breath away with its contradiction of yearning and liveliness in the face of heartache. The retro visuals featured in the video are a collaboration with LA-based XKYLAR, NYC-based photographer Anna Koblish, and graphic designer Sabrina Kaune.

Bad tuner accurately captures the strange space one must navigate post-breakup — one that almost feels freeing, before you remember that someone you almost shared a life with is more of a stranger than a friend. Losing a lover is never easy, but “Oxygen” permeates this space with a nuanced hopefulness; it is an acceptance that, even in the face of loss, a synth-led groove will be sure to pick you up off the ground and help put yourself back together again.

Following his debut EP, self-care, bad tuner’s release of “Oxygen” teases an upcoming EP this year on Virgin Music’s electronic imprint LG105. With an introspective song that spans the realms of house, disco, soul, and indie electronica, it’s safe to say that the modern dance music pioneer will continue to make feel-good electronica tunes that will find their way to your local dance floor.

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We couldn’t be more stoked to have Suriel Hess as our new headliner for our upcoming LA show 🤩 🫶 Not gonna lie, us & Notorious Noise kinda went OFF with this line up & you’re not gonna wanna miss it - ticket link in bio 🎫