Erea
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Lana Lubany's first single "THE SNAKE" was a suprise viral hit, racking up millions of plays and counting across social media and streaming services earlier this year. While many artists would be happy to ride that wave of success by simply repeating the process, Lubany spends much of its follow-up "SOLD" wondering whether serving up more of the same is a shortcut to further success, or perhaps the quickest route to being forgotten.
Singing in both English and Arabic, the Palestinian-American artist bobs and weaves through imposing sub-bass and handclaps as she talks about how "just one hit" created many a "believer." Friends and followers gassing her up does little for Lubany, however, as she compares overconfidence to madness and starts to question whether she's merely being lied to.
With echoes of both Billie Eilish and Rosalía in its compelling production, "SOLD" still makes room for Lubany to mark her own territory. Any artist that stays in their comfort zone for too long can end up getting lost. Realizing that so early on bodes well for an artist clearly willing to take risks in pursuit of personal expression.