Lexa Gates’ signature black winged liner is the face of her new single, ‘Past It.’ With front camera iPhone grain, the cover introduces Gates’ aesthetic of New York City grunge and cigarette spaghetti, seen in the visualiser. The cover art matches her hurried lifestyle that is “moving like acid” where “everything[s] goin on”.
Gates’ Queens accent trademarks her songs with an earthy texture that sits on top of jazz undertones and hip-hop influences. Produced by Emily Haynie, ‘Past It’ is laced with playful drums where the tempo matches running for the subway. Gates’ sound is similar to Doja Cat and Doechii, with teasing lyrics and snarky metaphors, yet there’s a freshness to her music. The excitement of being up-and-coming pokes through in lyrics like “Damn this sh*t everything I ever dreamed of, don’t make me wake up.”
Within the newness of pursuing her artistry, the overwhelming pace of it all is blended into this rush to fame, heard in the hook “the future seems so far til you’re past it / day to day tastes sh*te / looking for the light / headed for a casket.” Beneath the fashionable city girl persona still lies the inevitable fear of time flying by; that’s universal in your early twenties.
The sarcasm heard in “Congratulations on your eternal vacation / bet you feel so good” is paired with Gates’ deadpan expressions and doll-like movements. Gates’ has a relatability to her that comes from this comical side and not taking things too seriously. The brightness of this new single gives her an instantly likeable quality, which is the kind of charm that resonates with young people, and hints at Gates’ further success.
Words by Louella Venus
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