a_shes Creates An Immersive Space About Growing Up With "young adult fiction"

This record is no doubt an essential for all young adults everywhere — it explores yearning for big dreams, change, starting anew, and the fear of it all. Each song walks with you, understands you through the process of adulthood, deeming them suitable companions to keep trekking and exploring the world like it’s your oyster.

Meet a_shes, a resourceful, thought-provoking Malaysian-Bornean artist based in the United Kingdom. Starting off strong with his debut album “young adult fiction”, the ten-track record offers a solid soundscape of synthpop, indie, and alternative pop, merging them into fine, ambience-centered tunes. Its relevance remains intact despite its second anniversary this November.

Picture this: you’re on your own, about to create a brand new life for yourself in an unfamiliar place you just moved in. You’re watching city lights go by in a blur from the window seat, and you’re reminded that this is the whole point. That is exactly what “autumn city” sounds like. The track is accompanied by synth and soft yet intricate drum parts that emits the exact feeling of nervousness, maybe doubt, but also the mere fact of groundedness and being present.

As for “party politics”, the overall sound profile is full and immersive. It’s reminiscent of songs by Lorde, just by the pacing and the vocals’ vibe. This song sums up the coming of age, young adult experience; the ramble-like energy, overthinking, and doubt is also present similar to the first track. The harmonies, the reverb, and the line “take my fear, don’t leave me behind, please don’t leave me alone with my mind” is simply beautiful, and enhances the arrangement to its fullest potential.

You really get to appreciate a_shes’ lyrical prowess in “movies & music”, as they’re about to fit in specific moments and experiences of the average young adult while keeping the musical appeal intact. This song, despite seeming to revolve around hyperfixation and the comfort zone, acknowledges the need for change and the act of moving forward, but the mere fact that all our favorite songs and movies stay still amidst everything, ready to be revisited anytime, is comforting.

“glory days” is the type of song to start playing when you’ve hit the rewind or ‘start again’ button. It feels the same as the first song on the tracklist, wherein you’re starting fresh, treating the change of scenery as a blank canvas for you to illustrate your story in. This song provides a sense of closure, and it looks back on childhood, dreams, and reinforcing the journey so far.

Every song feels as though your world’s about to end, at the same time just beginning. It reassures you that everything you’ve gone through isn’t just felt by you, but everyone else is right there with you too. The overall soft and atmospheric vibe of “young adult fiction” would make anyone come back for more, and you’d be missing out if you don’t listen to it right now.