I Keep on Not Dying, the latest collaborative offering from FHMY and AQL, is not just a song—it’s an intellectual and emotional journey through the psyche of the tormented artist. Released as a cerebral ode to existentialism, the track draws its thematic inspiration from literary and cinematic heavyweights like Dostoevsky, Kafka, Camus, and Tarkovsky, while even weaving in a poignant poem sampled from Neon Genesis Evangelion. This is a track that dares to confront the cyclical torment of creation and the societal pressures that fuel it.
At its core, I Keep on Not Dying channels the existential dread of Kafka’s Metamorphosis, reimagined with a thought-provoking twist: the artist doesn’t wake up as something grotesque or otherworldly but rather remains himself. This decision is deliberate, mirroring the brutal reality that to create art, the artist must endure societal violence and human imperfection. The song embodies Tarkovsky’s belief that “art is born out of an ill-designed world,” using its very imperfection as a canvas for harmony.
Musically, the track immerses listeners in a hauntingly atmospheric soundscape. FHMY and AQL blend raw emotion with experimental production, creating an auditory experience that feels both intimate and unrelenting. The beats pulse like a heartbeat on the verge of collapse, while ethereal synths and dissonant melodies capture the unending tension between despair and resilience. It’s a visceral backdrop that mirrors the cyclical torment described in the lyrics—a Sisyphian nightmare where creation and destruction are perpetually intertwined.
Lyrically, I Keep on Not Dying is a poetic masterstroke. The verses are drenched in existential musings, layered with raw vulnerability and a brutal honesty that lingers long after the track ends. The borrowed poem from Neon Genesis Evangelion further deepens the philosophical undertones, creating a meta-commentary on the fragility of the human condition. The lyrics don’t just tell a story; they invite listeners to grapple with the very nature of existence, art, and survival in a chaotic world.
What makes this track particularly compelling is its ability to transcend its philosophical depth and remain accessible. The collaboration between FHMY and AQL feels organic, each artist bringing a distinct voice that complements the other. Their shared vision for the song is palpable, as they weave an intricate tapestry of sound and meaning without losing sight of the emotional core.
Thematically, I Keep on Not Dying confronts the relentless pressure placed on artists in an imperfect world. It critiques the societal expectation that creators must endure suffering to produce something meaningful. In doing so, the track holds a mirror to the human experience, inviting listeners to question their own resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a bold statement on the inseparability of art and struggle, one that resonates on both an individual and collective level.
Ultimately, I Keep on Not Dying is not just a song—it’s an existential reckoning. It challenges, provokes, and inspires, offering a raw exploration of the artist’s eternal battle with imperfection and the indomitable drive to create. FHMY and AQL have crafted something rare: a piece of music that doesn’t just entertain but compels listeners to reflect, question, and feel. In a world that often demands silence in the face of chaos, I Keep on Not Dying stands defiantly as a voice for those who refuse to be silenced.
