YDV is out to show that breaking barriers is the only way forward. His new single, “PRETEND,” is a genre-bending ride that acts as a mirror and a spotlight reflecting the listener’s experience, and shining a light on YDV’s fearless artistry. The West Coast-bred, New York-based artist has taken it upon himself to undertake a lofty and refreshing task, releasing a new song every other week. YDV is already gaining momentum that I can not see being stopped.
The track is unable to remain in one place. It glows with R&B heat, pop catchiness, hip-hop grime, and even EDM bounce. The pop, urban, and dance elements are all meticulously crafted and produced by YDV himself. The result is a striking soundscape that ebbs and flows like an emotional tide, drawing listeners into a storm of tension between realness and fabrication. When YDV raps and sings about tucking away feelings, the performance is lived-in, like he’s recounting something from personal experience, and for everyone who’s felt that pressure to smile when they’re broken inside.
“PRETEND” cuts to the core of duality, the façades that we put on for others, and the lies we occasionally whisper to ourselves. It’s not entirely devoid of heart. The melodies are achy with openness and still come with the type of hook that sticks to you long after the song is over. It does not make for easy power listening, it is music that goes down easily but cannot be ignored, perhaps music that invites the listener to ask themselves where they might be somewhat putting on their own.
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