“Gas” sets the tone for listeners to sit back and get acquainted with Classique516 as she slowly builds her world around us. The mid-tempo, punchy track has the modern bass-heavy hip-hop stylings but with an R&B twist, over which she delivers a solid vocal performance with lines like “I’m trying to express myself,/confidence is all I need, what else?/My future’s bright its only love that’s left.” This underscores her motives and position as an artist who knows what her true goals are. “Pressure” is a mellow ballad that talks about dealing with the never-ending life struggles, and she gives a thorough and detailed way of pushing through the doldrums. Backed by the cinematic soundscape featuring lush strings, ominous choral backings and a downtempo groove, Classique516 delivers with insightful intensity. Next is the title track “Atelophobia,” which highlights the singer’s vocal tone and versatility as a songwriter who can not only share experiences but also present them in an all-encompassing sense so listeners can decode them as they will. “Should’ve known (Venting)” serves as a therapeutic exercise of some sort. Here, she talks about toxic relationships and ignoring one’s intuition only to find out after the fact. As the title suggests, it underlines accountability, a dash of regret and the clarity of full realization.
The project continues to world-build and thrusts listeners into Classique516’s dominion. So far, we see her flaws, her needs and her approach to self-determination, and the next stages venture into different parts that make up the whole. “Aerials” is about freeing up one’s mental space and finding inner peace. I said I’m rolling up speeding down the highway/way too turnt to keep this high speed chase/and trying to keep this blunt/ease my mind/I’ve had enough,” underscores her process, and the backdrop feels like the soundscape for cruising through the dark city streets. Here, the singer pours her mind on wax with a laidback, sonorous performance that slowly builds up into a crescendo on the chorus section. “I Know (Deeptime)” is another favourite track of ours and offers an interesting view about love, monogamy and human needs. Classique516 doesn’t shy away from being unapologetic and real. There is absolutely no sugarcoating here. Next is “Evolve,” a soulful, aspirational piece that reminds us of our true potential. The project closes out with “Class Era,” a bouncy banger featuring epic violin strings, plucky notes and hypnotic velvety vocals. Again, she taps into what makes her unique, from the vocal range, undeniable swagger, to the expressive style. Other notable tracks include the epic “Seeds” featuring a gripping violin solo and cinematic modern R&B production. “MissedTrees” is a reflective piece, while the hip-hop bounce of “Rage It” is amplified by melodic styled raps that center around self-worth and cutting anchors loose for progression to thrive. Overall, ATELOPHOBIA: The Plight of Ostinato, takes modern R&B/ classical music with the swagger of hip-hop and presents it in a unique way that only a few can. Classique516 is definitely the lady of the moment with so much to offer open-minded music lovers.
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