IKAN HYU — flying fish 彡彡彡

„Flying Fish“ is IKAN HYU’s last single before the release of their second album this autumn. The song’s somber and melancholic mood is intensified by guitar and moog playing in unison, forming a resonant, orchestral riff. During the chorus, one can also hear a theremin, making this the first time the duo plays this instrument on one of their releases. Adding another layer to the song’s characteristic sound is the use of the band’s favorite gadget: for flying fish entire guitar takes were recorded using a walkie-talkie. 

While the image of flying fish can be connected to beauty or freedom, in reality this behavior is a way for these animals to escape predators. IKAN HYU uses this image to explore feelings of belonging and as a way to illustrate a moment of letting go and facing one’s fears: fold my wings, crashing in, I was singing with the birds but I was meant to swim with sharks.

Holding up an illusion to fit expectations might come naturally to most of us, but in flying fish this is unmasked as internalised, self-destructive behavior. In line with IKAN HYU’s approach to unapologetically express who they are through music, this song moves below the surface and dissolves fixed ideas about identity.