Listening to Conal Kelly’s latest single “Pyromanic” is like waltzing into a party: There are vibrant colors, there is undeniable life, and there’s an undertow-like draw to the deepest corners of the room where the darker shadows overtake the rainbows glistening along the surface. The latest alt-pop bop from the Bristol artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, out today (November 17), is a swirling fit of kaleidoscopic joy, but a closer look reveals the ills many of us face while we’re busy keeping up on appearances. It’s an addictive tune centered lyrically around addictive tendencies and impulses.
“The theme of this song was written around a specific type of addiction; not only substance, but also a social addiction,” says Kelly. “With the subject being someone who is addicted to partying and socializing, it intends to convey the feeling of living on a knife’s edge. Always around people, unable to spend any time alone without being deafened with insecurities and anxieties.”
Kelly adds: “It was also super quick to write, the whole thing was done within 24 hours (writing, recording, mixing, etc.), so it came out very naturally. Bit of a push outside of my comfort zone sonically, but not an uncomfortable one.”
Much like the parties we’re attending, armed with a smile on our face and buried by the knot in our stomachs. Feel Kelly’s own brand of fire and glide with “Pyromanic” and all its kinetic energy below.