Aliciaarghh, also known as LaLa, arrives with an unapologetic attitude and a sharp tongue on ‘F!XATED’, delivering a dark, playful slice of pop that blends airy vocals, atmospheric instrumentation and plenty of sass. From the opening phone call, it’s clear she’s got something to say, and she’s certainly not interested in hearing any more excuses.
The phone rings. Aliciaarghh answers. She’s already done with everything, introducing herself as the petty princess of pop with a wonderfully dismissive “Oh, you again? Seriously? You’re still on this?” It’s an opening that immediately establishes the character, attitude and tongue-in-cheek personality of the track. Before we’ve even reached the first verse, we’re hooked.
Musically, ‘F!XATED’ opens with clean, rootsy guitar notes, laying down the harmonic foundations while allowing Aliciaarghh’s vocals to take centre stage. We hear the hook for the first time, “You’re so fixated on me”, and with vocals this ethereal and airy, it’s not difficult to understand why. There’s a lovely contrast between the softness of her vocal delivery and the sharpness of the lyrical attitude, giving the track an interesting personality.
As the arrangement develops, the bass and drums begin to interlock, adding real weight to the rhythm section. This shift gives the production a darker, more atmospheric quality, allowing the chorus and refrain to lift naturally. There’s a particularly effective interplay between the heavier low end and the more delicate guitar and vocal elements, creating a sense of movement without overcrowding the arrangement.
The overall atmosphere is dark, playful and unapologetically sassy, perfectly complementing the lyrical themes. Someone is clearly fixated on Aliciaarghh, and while we’re given plenty of hints about the situation, there’s just enough mystery to leave us wanting to know the full story. Who is this person, and more importantly, what exactly have they done to deserve this treatment?
The standout moment comes in the post-chorus, where the instrumentation kicks in with real impact before pulling back to leave Aliciaarghh’s harmonised vocals exposed. The delivery of “What’s your excuse today?” is particularly effective. It’s a clever production moment that gives the vocal arrangement room to shine while reinforcing the song’s central attitude. Sometimes, less really is more, and this is a great example of knowing exactly when to strip things back.
‘F!XATED’ is a confident showcase of Aliciaarghh’s pop persona, combining an atmospheric instrumental arrangement with an infectious hook and a healthy dose of lyrical attitude. There’s a playful theatricality to the performance that makes the track feel characterful rather than simply another pop song about someone getting under your skin. Aliciaarghh knows exactly who she is in this story, and she’s clearly not afraid to let us know.
Words by Rachel Colton
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