Review: "One Of Those Faces" - Modern Oli
- Deanna Moody
- 17 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Have you ever felt like your life was just a big act? Modern Oli's debut single, "One Of Those Faces," describes the struggles of balancing a fast-paced life in the spotlight with the slow burn of romance. Despite its observational edge, the track never becomes heavy-handed. It leans into wit and self-awareness, embracing the contradictions of craving validation while simultaneously mocking it. The song guides us with a description of a woman named Rebecca. She is an elusive figure that Oli worries will slip through his fingers. Through the song, his lyrics express his true feelings that he can't say to her. With Valentine's Day coming up fast, now is the time for those nerve-wracking confessions. This single is the perfect confidence booster for a confession to that special someone.
Lyrically, ‘One of Those Faces’ is inspired by the quiet anxieties of status and self-worth. Reflecting on the feeling of not belonging, wanting to be impressive enough, successful enough, and known enough. As an actor, Oli is intimately familiar with the phrase that gives the song its title. One Of Those Faces; a comment that can feel both flattering and diminishing, unanimously. The single marks Oli’s first official release under his artist project, arriving at a moment where music and acting are running in parallel. Alongside the single, Oli continues to appear on screen and stage, including an upcoming role in American Psycho at the Almeida Theatre, and the release of Bridgerton's fourth season. Blending classic UK indie rock spirit with contemporary pop tones, ‘One of Those Faces’ draws influence from artists such as "The 1975," "Pulp," "Bleachers," and "David Bowie," while shaping a sound that feels timeless and current.
Although it was written on New Year's Eve 2024, the song was born during an intense one-day session at British Grove Studios in February 2025. Oli worked alongside his full band, producer Louis Souyave, engineer Felipé Gutierrez, and collaborators including Alyssa Bonagura, guitarist Steve Shirley, and cellist Geraint Downing. Four songs were tracked live over the course of a day, capturing performances on a Bosendorfer piano, live drums and bass, guitars, Wurlitzer, and Juno synths. This organic foundation then led to months of experimentation in home studios, where samples, reversed textures, field recordings from Peckham streets and London Overground trains, and subtle electronic elements were layered into the track. Listen to "One Of Those Faces" wherever you stream your music!
Written By Deanna Moody
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