Burning arrives wrapped in shadows, cinematic ambition and enough emotional weight to suggest this is more than just another streaming-friendly single. Acting as the gateway to the debut album Only The Darkness Can Save Me Now, it feels like the sort of track designed to pull you into a much bigger story rather than simply chase playlist numbers. That’s a bold move, and thankfully it’s one that mostly pays off.
There’s an obvious influence from The Weeknd lurking in the DNA, particularly in the icy atmosphere, cavernous reverb and the way the vocal glides between vulnerability and confidence. The difference is that ANTXNXO leans further into introspection than seduction. It’s melodramatic, yes, but it earns the right to be because the production never lets the emotion drift into parody.
Working alongside Erim Ahmet, the production is the real star here. Every layer feels considered. The stacked harmonies swell without becoming bloated, while subtle electronic textures creep in and out of the mix like distant ghosts. There’s a patience to Burning that’s increasingly rare. Rather than chasing a massive chorus every thirty seconds, it slowly builds tension, rewarding listeners who give it their full attention instead of treating it as background noise.
Vocally, ANTXNXO delivers a convincing performance. There’s restraint where lesser artists would over-sing, allowing the cracks in his voice to carry as much meaning as the polished melodies. It suits the song’s theme of transformation perfectly. You believe he’s wrestling with something internal rather than simply performing sadness because that’s what dark pop demands.
The song constantly threatens to explode but ultimately chooses to simmer instead. For some listeners that’ll be its greatest strength; for others it may leave them craving a bigger release.
There’s also the unavoidable comparison with artists already dominating this lane. While ANTXNXO demonstrates enough personality to avoid feeling like a tribute act, there are moments where the sonic palette edges a little too close to familiar territory. As his career develops, pushing further away from those obvious influences and embracing more of his own quirks could transform him from a promising newcomer into a genuinely distinctive voice.
Still, Burning succeeds because it knows exactly what it wants to be. It’s immersive, emotionally rich and confident enough to prioritise mood over instant gratification.
FOLLOW HIM HERE
IT’S FESTIVAL SEASON, ALL THE LATEST LINE UPS AND FESTIVAL NEWS HERE AND INTERVIEW NEWS HERE