In the pulsating heart of Austria’s pop landscape, a new force has emerged, demanding our attention with the subtlety of a jackhammer. AF90, the brainchild of Andreas Födinger, has unleashed “Buy My Art Before I Die” – a track that doesn’t just knock on the door of the art-pop scene, it kicks it down with steel-toed boots.
From the moment the first chord strikes, it’s clear we’re in for a wild ride. The production is a masterclass in controlled chaos, with guitar riffs that could slice through steel and drum patterns that feel like a caffeine shot straight to the heart. Födinger’s vocal delivery perfectly blends raw emotion and polished technique, reminiscent of David Bowie’s chameleon-like ability to shift personas mid-song.
But let’s rewind for a second. AF90 isn’t some fresh-faced newcomer. Oh no, this is a musical veteran who’s been pulling strings behind the scenes of Austria’s pop renaissance. As a founding member of “Bilderbuch” and the mastermind behind the earworm “Maschin”, Födinger has been quietly shaping the soundscape for years. Now, he’s stepped into the spotlight, and boy, is it blinding.
“Buy My Art Before I Die” is more than just a catchy title – it’s a battle cry for artists everywhere. The urgency in Födinger’s voice is palpable, as if he’s racing against time to leave his mark on the world. It’s a sentiment that hits close to home for anyone who’s ever created something and wondered, “Will this outlive me?”
Musically, the track is a smorgasbord of influences. One moment you’re grooving to a bassline that would make Talking Heads proud, the next you’re swept up in synth patterns that could’ve been plucked from a Dua Lipa banger. But don’t think for a second that AF90 is just a pastiche of his influences. No, this is an artist who’s taken the best of what’s come before and alchemized it into something entirely new.
The percussion elements deserve a special mention. They’re not just keeping time; they’re telling their own story, weaving in and out of the mix like a mischievous spirit. It’s the kind of rhythmic complexity that makes you want to air-drum in public, consequences be damned.
AF90 is a force of nature. Backed by a band that he describes as “sehr geil” (very cool), their performances are less concerts and more religious experiences. Picture a Salvation Army band that’s decided to save souls through the power of art-pop, and you’re halfway there.
As FM4, Austria’s tastemaker radio station, aptly put it: “AF90 writes his songs according to the motto ‘go big or go home’.” And big it is. This is music that demands to be played at maximum volume, preferably while standing on top of something very tall and yelling your dreams into the void.
“Buy My Art Before I Die” is more than just a song – it’s a manifesto. It’s AF90 planting his flag in the soil of contemporary music and declaring, “I was here.” And if this track is any indication, he’ll be here for a long, long time.