a_shes – “young adult fiction”

a_shes’ album “young adult fiction”, released in late 2023, is an impressive release that you need to listen to. The Malaysian-Bornean artist, now based in the UK, crafts a synth-driven, nostalgic sound that feels like an early 2010s Tumblr-era time capsule while speaking to the awkwardness and quiet struggles of growing up. Across ten tracks, he captures the feeling of a belated coming-of-age, where real adulthood doesn’t match the fantasies we grew up with. Songs like “autumn city” and “party politics” showcase his knack for blending shimmering melodies with stories of new beginnings and nightlife escapades, this album 10 out 10 for me.

The vocals have a smooth and honest tone that makes the stories in each song feel personal and relatable without overdoing the emotion. And let us talk about the beautiful artwork, is a standout itself, showing a figure drifting over a glowing city on a massive paper airplane, perfectly matching the album’s tone of youthful wonder mixed with a search for direction.

If you’re into indie pop that feels both nostalgic and current, this release is worth a spin. Be sure to follow a_shes on social media to stay updated on new releases and live shows throughout 2025.