Modern Oli - "One of Those Faces"
- Alex Kilgore
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Modern Oli’s debut single, “One of Those Faces,” is an engaging and dynamic exploration of expectation, assumption, and the complexities of identity.
Oli Higginson’s artist project, Modern Oli, delves into perception and the realities of being seen, understood, and misread in today’s world. In “One of Those Faces,” Modern Oli portrays the all-too-familiar experience of being misjudged based on appearances or assumptions rather than true character.
Modern Oli playfully and cleverly brings this idea to life through a retelling of an encounter at a party, capturing the awkward navigation of social dynamics. The theme threads through the lyrics and emotional core, showcasing the gap between who you are and who others think you are.
In the first half of the song, lines like “somehow it’s always in Peckham, I’m doing some shit impression of how they want me to be,” depict the self-conscious performance of meeting others’ expectations. This builds into a standout moment in the line, “one day you’ll be begging just to hold me, Rebecca,” where it flips from being dismissed for lack of status to the certainty that one day they’ll wish they’d given you a chance.
“One of Those Faces” unfolds almost cinematically, with each lyric and melody creating a vivid scene that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The instrumentation perfectly mirrors the lyrics, with an upbeat energy that’s both nostalgic and warm, making it feel like it’s coming from someone who truly gets it. When the tone shifts in the second half, the song becomes empowering, providing a satisfying sense of recognition and confidence. The combination of expressive lyricism, intricate detail, and smooth flow makes the track intoxicating.
With such an exceptional debut single, Modern Oli has set the bar high. “One of Those Faces” highlights his storytelling, musicality, and ability to make personal experiences feel universally relatable. We can’t wait to hear what's next.
Be sure to listen to “One of Those Faces” and follow Modern Oli to stay tuned.
Alex Kilgore, Untold Music Promotion
