“Cold” turns heartbreak, boundaries, and self-preservation into an intoxicating alt-pop experience.

K LA has gone through a full-blown rebrand, but don’t get it twisted, she’s still the same highly talented singer who knows how to tell it like it is while creating some memorable soundscapes. After four years releasing music as Kayla Williams, “Cold” officially introduces us to K LA, and honestly, it’s a damn good introduction.

While Kayla Williams was quiet, observant, and reserved, K LA is confident, expressive, and unapologetic. That transformation is all over “Cold,” which finds her walking away from a push-pull relationship after realizing that constantly trying to keep someone else happy can turn into abandoning yourself. Basically, she’s choosing herself instead of shrinking for somebody else. I can get behind that.

The production is one of my favorite things about the track. It has this mechanical feel mixed with an island-inspired rhythm and these effects that makes it feel like your ears are melting in it. Then K LA comes through with a vocal performance that sounds drained, numb, and vulnerable, yet somehow remains incredibly intoxicating. That chorus is also ridiculously infectious.

What I love about “Cold” is that it’s the perfect way of showing K LA plant her flag and letting everyone know exactly who she is now. Check out the track below.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.