Watch out, mutants, because our experimental diva is here to save music once again. After a quiet start of the year, Arca is giving us a double single, Sola and Puta, which are a testament to the Venezuelan artist’s incredible range and versatility. The former is more ethereal, hypnotic, and atmospheric, reminiscent of albums like Arca and songs like Piel and Reverie; while the latter leans towards deconstructed club music, has a more experimental approach, and takes us to hits like Mequetrefe and Rip the Slit.
We’ve said multiple times, but just in case, here’s another one: Arca is one of the greatest artists of this generation. Forward-thinking and boundary-pushing, Alejandra’s influence in today’s music industry is unparalleled. She’s collaborated with Björk, SOPHIE, Rosalía, Lady Gaga, Tainy, Sega Bodega, Safety Trance, and many, many more, proving that she’s an incredible producer, vocalist, and overall performer.
Now, she’s released this double single, Sola / Puta, together with a music video for each — yes, mother! The first one, directed by Daniel Sannwald, is grand and magic. We see Arca, from head to toe in white, against a jaw-dropping natural paradise as the backdrop (what initially seems like Salar de Uyuni). Her organic movements, the spectacular setting, and special effects like pink smoke and fireworks make the music video a feast for the eyes. Sannwald and Arca had worked together, back in 2009, for the Vanity video, and it’s great to see them pair up again now that they’ve both grown as artists.
Meanwhile, Arca has also teamed up with a longtime collaborator: Stillz. With him, they’ve worked on the glitchy music video for Puta. Styled by Ai Kamoshita in Rick Owens balloon boots and lots of tech-gear-turned-garments, the Venezuelan artist gives it her all and embraces sexuality, confidence, and the mutant fantasy like no other. “The tip of my acrylics hover round your iris / High Femme Sh*t / I am that b*tch / Arachnid / P*ssy goes attack spins / Rips drips,” she sings flirtatiously.