As part of his consecutive and weekly single releases that will soon unite in his new studio album, the artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Derek Simpson releases Boytoy, a playful but darkish song that, with its hypnotic cadence matched with Simpson's vocal technique and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, helps enrich the music variety of his upcoming work while keeping his essence intact.
Somehow is shaping to become a great demonstration of the different sides, resources, and sounds Derek Simpson likes to explore in his music. On this week's release, Boytoy, an hypnotic and entrancing melody accompanies the idea of being someone's toy with everything that this represents. With an almost playful but eerie rhythm to it, it taps accurately to what being someone who others "play" with may feel. It may be fun and alluring, but there's also a darkness to fulfilling other desires or necessities without minding oneself.
With an entertaining visualizer that shows Simpson acting the toy part, with static poses and an empty smile, this scene contrasts with the ones where the rage or need to liberate himself flashes on the screen, which can be understood as a representation of what goes on in the mind of said toys. "Twist my arm 'til it breaks, I'll drop your favourite phrase." It's clear that this is not a romantic song but rather one that, with wit and sarcasm, represents a relationship dynamic that, surprisingly or not, is more common than one could imagine. If by any chance you listen to it and feel like the lyrics hit close to home, you better have a quick conversation with yourself while we wait for Derek's next song.