Anna Iachino is one of those artists who manage to defy every expectation, every conventional trajectory we’re used to seeing in the music world. At 63 years old, she’s stepped into the realm of electronic music like she was born for it, boldly dancing through life’s hardships with a candidness that makes her work feel alive. Her project, "Plutonic," embodies a stunning turnaround, vibrant proof that it's never too late to create, express, or move. But Plutonic does not dabble in electronics; she lives, owns, and most of all, dances to them. Her multi-faceted art as a composer, producer, and live performer is as inspirational as it is rebellious against the expected norms. And, judging by her latest single titled "Where's The Trauma?" she's here to disrupt and enchant equally.
"Where's The Trauma?" comes charging out of the gate with an energy that commands. A pulsating bassline forms its very backbone, while a steady heartbeat keeps the song grounded while layered rhythms and melody spiral up. The production is very detailed, as none of the sounds seem out of place at all. Each synth stab, each tick from a hi-hat, and each jab from the drums serve a purpose in creating a sonic tapestry that is intricate yet danceable.
The song is a total rocker, a wondrously infectious electronic dance music tune where you have to feel like dancing. Driven by a hypnotic groove, the strong bass lays the track's backbone, while bright arched synths and dynamic buildup fuse into euphoric moments.
The vocals are the lifeblood of the track, repeating the titular refrain "Where's the trauma?" Her voice strikes a note of tension, intimate insubordination. Anger and frustration are heard along with an intense release. Production complements this perfectly while maintaining distinctly spacious mixes, as the voice cuts through almost starkly, cleanly, against that lush backdrop of synth pads and driving percussion. The dynamic use is downright brilliant, allowing less frenetic moments indeed to yield explosive drops, not to mention the rich, textured, and deeply immersive sound design.
I found myself completely swept up in the energy of this track. The first beat just grabbed hold and didn't let go. The way it builds and unfolds is sensational. It makes you want to get up and dance, no matter where you are. Do yourself a favor: if you haven't already, stream "Where's The Trauma?" by Plutonic right now.