RELEASED TODAY: Harry Styles - “Aperture”
It’s been a running joke in the Harry Styles fandom that he’ll do “anything but make music” - as it has been 4 years since his last album “Harry’s House” released and around 2.5 years since his last live show. It’s understandable that artists need to take breaks and, of course, this was all in jest. However, long time Harry Styles fans are feeling blessed when; in the space of two weeks, he announces an album, a tour and releases a single.
Harry’s last three albums were met with screaming fanfare. The press surrounding “Love on tour” was particularly beautiful - showcasing the inclusive nature of his shows and music. The pictures that were paired with the together, together (tour) announcement showcased intimate moments of people of varying colour, gender and sexuality. It’s clear that Harry will continue to promote inclusivity and kindness.
Currently, there has been a lot of discourse around his tour dates as he seems to have only released a few dates for one or two major cities per continent. Fans are concerned about getting tickets and having to travel to see a show.
My prediction is that this is due to the logistics of his warm up acts as he has chosen big names such as “Shania Twain” and “Robyn” to share the stage with him. It’s likely that these are the big shows that he does to pre-anticipate a larger world tour - which will give people more chance to see him.
Harry’s new song “Aperture” has a new dance beat vibe that he’s not quite explored yet, though he’s definitely skimmed the edges with songs like “Light’s up.” It’s more electronic with a strong and deep baseline.
As a photographer, I was really excited by the title “Aperture.” It’s a setting in the camera which controls the opening of the optical system, letting in more or less light in your photo based on your surroundings. Your pupils also do this - opening and closing to let light in or out.
The song uses this as a metaphor for human connection - “Aperture lets the light in”
The pounding bass contrasts his soft, soothing vocals. Sometimes he’ll reach down to his baritone to scratch that low boom of the bass and it sounds phenomenal.
He sticks with the regular group vocals motif that he’s used on various other songs - sounding operatic when they sing “we belong together.” It fits his message of working together and focusing on community and kindness.
The music video for this song was released at 5pm and has already met a confused and fascinated audience. It follows Harry getting followed and attacked by a man holding a plastic bag that says “have a nice day.” They then proceed to fight, which turns into a joint choreographed dance routine and ends with the implication that it was all imagined.
It’s strange, funky and completely surreal. My interpretation is that the man represents who Harry is trying to be, with his cool, leather jacket aesthetic and bag that matches his branding. It shows him fighting with who he’s trying to present vs who he actually is.
Another interpretation is that the man is a fan/hater and the fight that turns into a dance represents the line between love and hate in parasocial relationships.
Whatever it means, fans love it.
All in all, I really enjoy this song. It sounds unique to Harry whilst exploring something slightly different with influences in 90s and current dance music. One thing I’ve noticed about Harry’s music is that it gets better the more you listen to it. If you’re not sure on the first try make sure you listen to it a few more times to take in the different elements.
I’m excited to hear the other singles that Harry comes out with before the release of album
