There is a magic that happens when humor and heartbreak collide on a beat, and Alexandros Sarafis knows precisely how to bottle it. His most recent single, “Side Eye” featuring Jazz Montell SayWerd of Bees & Honey, transforms an uncomfortable first date into an epic soundtrack, blending silky smooth R&B melodies with upbeat hip-hop. Crafted by Grammy-nominated producer Wizzy Wow and platinum-selling producer RXR, the song is a retro new-school vibe, a homage to early-2000s melodies that holds its own in the present day.
“Side Eye” is the tale of expectation versus reality. Sarafis sets the scene. A great first date with someone who swears she’s over her ex but spends the whole night talking about him. It’s got the gnashing of teeth vibe of agitation, but you can’t be angry all the time. Yet, the screaming represents that bitterness in each frame, as the lyrics reference rolling my sleeves up and taking names. The hook is sticky, the verses pointed, and his guest, Jazz Montell, with his silky vocal delivery, lends a combination of charm and warmth. The two artists indulge in the kind of chemistry that sparkles and cringes, playfully.
The single glides like a cracked-open time capsule full of chords, mellow percussion, and that 2000s R&B that couldn’t belong to any other time. But the production doesn’t come off retro for retro’s sake, instead, it’s the perfect vehicle for Sarafis’s clever lyricism and Montell’s honeyed tones to take root. There’s a conversational rhythm to the storytelling, and because of that, listener also feels like they’re in on the joke, nodding along to each sly punchline and knowing glance.
For Alexandros Sarafis, “Side Eye” Is just another milestone in the evolution of his talent. Born in the U.K. and bilingual in Greek and English, his music is an amalgam of multiple influences, ranging from the soulful, gritty wordplay of New York hip-hop to the melodious vastness of Greek Laika, and with the buzz of U.K. urban culture. What distinguishes him is the way he can make introspection feel uplifting, filling his narratives with a self-belief that inspires listeners to look past the moment.