The dark pop side of Irys

When it comes to Berlin, we have a city that historically has always inspired great musicians to go above and beyond in their careers. So it was with David Bowie, U2, Brian Eno, Depeche Mode, just to name a few of the most obvious. Maybe that’s why I wasn’t amazed (so much) by the strength of the dark pop produced by the Berlin-based singer Iris, or rather Irys, as she calls herself.

With a career that started relatively recently – discounting the fact that she has been in touch with music since she was little, whether in choirs or playing guitar – Yris has a handful of singles released. Although not numerous, what really counts is the quality of each one. Yris recycles 80s synth-pop with more modern and post-2010 references, such as Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish, for example.

Like the aforementioned singers, Irys makes a type of intimate pop music, drawing the themes of her compositions from her own life experience. In “Borderline”, the confessional last single, Irys exposes the duality between light and shadow that permeates the existence not only of her, but of all of us. Coincidentally, an issue that touches on the escalation of mental health as a priority in post-pandemic times, and which is also present in another blockbuster single: “Anti-hero” by Taylor Swift.

But the singer’s relevance to showbizz is not limited to the lyrics, as she apparently has such a unique productive capacity: although synthesizers and effects come to inundate post-production, the core of Irys’ art is highly organic, with chords and melodies that easily survive without all of the technological paraphernalia.

Check it out for yourself in the “Borderline” audition below, with just over 2 minutes you’re ready to want more, and more, from this charismatic artist. I do.

Listen “Borderline” by Irys:

So, tell us what did you think about Irys most recent song!