Kiiko Confronts His Alter-Ego on Mellow Alt-Pop EP ‘SUFFOCATE’

Over the past few years, Cairo-based artist, Kiiko, has carved out a distinct, emotionally-resonant sound in the local alternative scene. Through a steady stream of gut-wrenching releases that often allude to introspective themes like heartbreak, depression, anxiety and self-doubt, his music channels a kind of saudade, a safe space for raw emotional exploration, allowing listeners to feel seen and understood.

In his latest project, SUFFOCATE, Kiiko dives even deeper into his subconscious. Written during one of the most difficult periods of his life, the EP finds the singer-songwriter and producer confronting an alter-ego, a recurring shadow born from years of anxiety and body-image struggles. The opening track, 'Forget About Me/Suffocate', sets the tone for the record, opening with a mellow confession that quickly flips midway into a sharper and more aggressive tone and delivery. It mirrors the clash between Kiiko and his inner antagonist, while on ‘Mirror’, he descends further into his psyche, tracing the looping tension of a mind at war with itself. Meanwhile, ‘Nobody is Special’ stands out as an almost ironically hopeful lyricism that finds solace in imperfection, set against an anthemic, bass-heavy sound.

Despite its heavy emotional weight, SUFFOCATE, with its well-produced Arab alt-pop sound and lyrical depth, showcases a more mature and self-aware artistic version of Kiiko. Each track marks a turning point in his ongoing journey towards clarity and self-redemption, which makes us question: has Kiiko have mastered the art of sad music and melancholia, and if so, what is next?