‘Blood on The Silver Screen’ Showcases Sasami’s Lyricism and Musical Experimentation
Photo by Andrew Thomas Huang
In ‘Blood on the Silver Screen’ Sasami transforms self-reflection, heartbreak and other emotional states into an electrifying genre-bending experience. Known for her vulnerability and musical experimentation, the singer has built a reputation as an artist who stays confined to one genre, this album solidifies that idea as it dives into themes of grief, the haunting nature of memories and longing. With a feature from indie-pop musician Clairo and a production that mixes grunge, indie rock and dream-pop, this album has the perfect mix that dives into human emotion.
The album opens with “Slugger”, a searing track that sets the tone for the rest of the record. The track’s driving drum beat and heavy guitars contrast the song’s emotionally fraught subject. Sasami captures the absurdity of heartbreak in the chorus: “My my my my my whole life I’ve been doing fine / And now I’m cry cry crying like Dolly from 9-5.” This lyric references Dolly Parton’s iconic song “9 to 5'“, which shows a humorous and devastating way of representing distress. The repetition of “cry cry crying” paired with the upbeat drum pattern creates an emotional conflict. Sasami seems to be trying to make light of her unhappiness, setting a tone for the album’s energy.
“In Love With A Memory (Featuring Clairo)”is a track that immerses into a dream-pop soundscape, allowing the listener to reflect on their lingering memories. “Take me back to the open road / Where the wind can blow in my hair / And the sun can kiss my face / I need to feel alive” capture the ache of separation, showcasing it through the metaphor of the open road, a place of freedom. The desire to “feel alive” symbolizes craving for something beyond heartbreak. While the lyrics, “All good things must come to an end / Don't cry, just come back to bed / Let me feel you one last time / Before we say goodnight” embody the acceptance that comes with closure while needing the need for connection even when it’s destined to end. Clairo’s soft vocals weave in perfectly with Sasami’s lead, almost as if she’s playing the role of the memory itself. Production-wise, this song relies heavily on the singer’s vocals, which capture the dream-like state of denial.
The song “Figure It Out” is one of the most vulnerable moments on ‘Blood on the Silver Screen’ encapsulating the conflict of self-assurance and pain of love. “Just close your eyes and squeeze my hand tight / And we'll figure it out” capture Sasami’s desire for comfort in the face of uncertainty. The lyrics “we’ll figure it out” become a mantra of hope, suggesting that even if things feel unclear or broken, there’s still a chance for healing if they hold on to each other. However, throughout the song, there is also a feeling of desperation, as if the singer is pleading for connection in a moment where she feels everything is falling apart.
This album is an album that thrives in contradiction, blending chaos with clarity, heartbreak with humor and devastation with hope. The tracks on this record capture the aftermath of love’s collapse. This album seems like a cinematic journey of heartbreak, proving that even in the moment of collapse there’s always a fight to keep moving forward and move on. Sasami’s ability to balance vulnerability with conviction makes this record her most powerful yet, but it also serves as a reminder that pain and growth often exist side by side. For new listeners, this album serves as the perfect introduction to Sasami’s discography, as it showcases her lyricism and ability to move people with music. Give the album a listen below and get tickets to Sasami’s tour here!
