There’s a fine line between love and hate. A lot of time, energy, and thought goes into committing both actions. However, I think viewing it as this fine line feeds into the idea that one can trump the other - and that’s not always the case. Viewing it as such also ignores the complexity of the connection. Especially when we consider complicated relationships like the one observed in EMI WIDE’s “hate u” where we find ourselves still in awe of a former partner that rightfully deserves to be despised. That’s why I prefer to think of the love-hate connection as a continuum. In a continuum there can be progressions to either sentiment at given time; and there’s no clear, definitive dividing lines either.
As much as we’d love to loathe a former partner for actions committed during the relationship and its aftermath - we still find ourselves enamored with them. And WIDE perfectly captures the infuriating circumstances of this situation in “hate u”. The eclectic pop single opens with bouncy, electronic synths that command listeners' attention. The opening verse throws listeners right into the middle of the love-hate infuriation: from desiring to be “over” them to dying whenever we get a hint of their “perfume” on others. It’s just not fair that “images of” them appear in our mind like intrusive thoughts when all we want is to untangle ourselves from them. The synths then begin to rise, suiting WIDE’s lullaby-like vocals in the pre-chorus all before dropping a harsh reality in the chorus. And this reality features one of the greatest injustices in the dating world: the former partner has “mov[ed] on with another” person while we’re still processing the relationship’s denouement. In an ideal world, that would be a criminal offense. But atlas, it’s not - making our inability to completely hate the former partner all the more frustrating. Particularly when reflecting on the relationship like WIDE does in the second verse. The reflection reveals how dehumanizing this relationship was, and yet we still “shed a tear” for it. This annoyance reaches its peak in the trailblazing bridge. Within it, WIDE displays their versatility and willingness to experiment with soundscapes. Transforming the pop single into an alt-rock one by the end through heavy guitar riffs that express the world of hurt they’re experiencing. Ultimately, “hate u” is a break-up anthem that expertly showcases the temperance of hatred in a connection built on love.
After a year-long hiatus, Copenhagen-based songstress EMI WIDE has returned with a new identity and altogether innovative sound. If “hate u” is any indication, listeners can come to expect empowering synth arrangements and candidacy delivered with boldness from WIDE’s upcoming music. Before her rebrand, the Danish singer and songwriter played multiple festivals in Denmark and Sweden where she quickly established a reputation for creating alluring melodies that piece together an immaculate universe centered on personal experiences. With this re-introduction to the music scene though, this universe is expanding to take on a global presence. If you’ve enjoyed EMI WIDE’s music as much as I have, show the artist some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows.
Written by Giavanna Gradaille
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