London-based singer-songwriter Oliver Keane is making waves with his latest single, “3.5”. The track blends electronic pop with raspy indie vocals, creating a unique and soulful combination.

Opening with alternating drum pads, an underlying riser, and a playful guitar riff, the setting is laid for Keane’s vocal introduction. Throughout this track, the production is kept relatively simplistic, paving the way for the artist’s intimate vocal melodies to shine through. The choice to make Keane’s vocal the centerpiece of this song forces a listener to focus on his lyricism.

“3.5” represents Keane’s battle with mental health and alcohol abuse, expressing the ever-growing presence of anxiety in his daily life: “I hold on just a little bit longer / Hm, I hold on just a little bit longer / Yeah, I hate to be on my own / I can barely breathe, putting down the phone.”

Although his lyricism leans into the darker corners of mental health, Keane also uses nostalgia to represent the good times in the artist's life. He creates a strong sense of longing for what he has lost, and continues to struggle to find again.

Alongside this single, Oliver Keane dropped a heartwarming music video which patches together archival footage of Keane's childhood contrasted with shots of him sitting in the backseat of a car in the present day. This contrast creates a push and pull of light and dark moments in a person's life, with the car scenes potentially representing Keane feeling out of control of his own life--just a passenger along for a ride.

The archival footage represents the innocence and joy of youth. The music video enhances the message of the song and pushes the narrative of how fast our youth can pass us by.

Both the track and the video are complimentary of the importance of a strong support system, highlighting the reasons why an individual should reflect upon the beauty that life can hold.

Oliver Keane’s vulnerable nature creates a relationship between the artist and the listener. His deeply personal lyrics remind us we are not alone in our struggles and that it is important to express to others the battles we find ourselves in.

Keane’s music, although unique, bears a similarity to artists such as Ruel and Catfish And Bottleman. If you are in the market for a new Indie-Boy to listen to, Oliver Keane could be the artist you’ve been waiting for.