Belgium's latest and most promising BREEO is quickly emerging as one of the boldest new voices in modern pop. Her newest single, "Ethereal Agony," taken from her upcoming EP "Harmonia," proves exactly why with its unapologetic honesty and striking grandeur. "Ethereal Agony" stands as a testament to BREEO's innate ability to maximize its potential.
At 19, BREEO showcases the maturity of a seasoned songwriter. "Ethereal Agony" is not the type of song that covers life's most brutal realities. It doesn't shy from them, it leans into them, turning misery into something akin to a celestial instruction in development. The track conveys a message that doing hard things isn't meant to break us, it's there for shaping, guiding, and, whether we realize it or not, ultimately serving as good material for the long haul. BREEO accomplishes yet more in her vocal work, echoing the theatrics of legends like Lady Gaga, as well as the no-nonsense uniqueness of Chappell Roan and Gwen Stefani, while always maintaining a sound that is truly individual. There's a fearless independence in her delivery, an assurance that prevents the message from sounding overly performed and brings it closer to lived experience.
The combination of openness and strength is what makes "Ethereal Agony" so gripping. There's a dreamy, airy twist to the song, but at its heart is something about going through things and coming out on the other side. The contrast between the two mirrors the human condition itself, fragile but unbreakable, wounded yet capable of tremendous transformation.
With "Harmonia" looming, "Ethereal Agony" is but a tease of BREEO's pioneering mindset. She's creating a universe in which experiences can be both brutal and lovely. It's a powerful introduction from an artist who is not afraid to stand alone. If this single can be taken as any indication, BREEO will prove to be one of the defining new voices of her generation.