Astrid S’s new single ‘It’s Ok If You Forget Me’ functions as an adorable nostalgia piece that will transport you straight to the last 1990s.

Whereas most upcoming popstars opt to emulate the heavy electropop or disco-funk genres in their sound, this Norwegian newcomer’s latest single instead reflects the sentimental, teen-girl emotions that made up the musical zeitgeist nearly twenty years ago but have been set aside in recent years. Those tracks were powered by familiar but impassioned chords on the acoustic guitar, which you can find in spaces in this particular feature. On top of the guitar hook, the song is bolstered by relatable lyrics that show a thoughtful nature as well as Astrid’s sugary-sweet voice that epitomizes the innocence and vulnerabilities of young love. 

The melody is charming yet somewhat sombre in its own way. The subject matter as revealed by the words details a break-up of a relationship, one that has left Astrid feeling a little helpless and a lot hopeless. She reminisces the relationship in its full glory but the subtle instrumental touches in the background only augment the mournful aspects woven into the harmony. What brings the moodiness home is the solo that takes in lieu of the chorus, a purely instrumental run that is lifted by the beats on the synth and the silences that communicate volumes. 

Astrid’s voice is the most distinct element about this tune; it’s not only sweet, pure, and moving but it demonstrates a range of ability, whether that’s soaring through those notes with ease or conveying vulnerabilities at the pitch changes. Astrid has released a handful of EPs over the years that have made some noise across Europe but her first studio album has yet to be released. As it stands, it’s supposed to come out on 16 October 2020, so if fans have been impressed with her chops so far, there’s plenty more coming down the pipeline. It’s titled ‘Leave It Beautiful,’ 

On the album, Astrid said, “I don’t think for this album it needs to be a red-thread concept album, it can just be me. You know, experimenting with my songwriting and sound and trying to find my way. And then maybe for another album, I’ll really dig into one sound or theme or concept.” 

Author: Shaoni Das

Shaoni Das is a writer/editor currently based in Edmonton, Canada. She remains eager to inspect how the changing culture of music impacts upon the greater world.