LA-based duo sym fera is clearly less interested in identity than they are the general human condition—and the societal norms that are rapidly changing that condition. Founded as a means of “navigating the problem of other minds,” the anonymous pop duo construct songs that reflect Black Mirror’s examination of technology-ravaged humanity, with previous single “11/8” specifically contemplating how social media warps our minds.
The project’s latest track shares the theme of Instagram perfectionism as its quivering lyrics recount the all-too-familiar sensation of an unrealistic idea of happiness constantly being fed to us (it also shares the name of a mirage). “‘fata morgana’ is about the hedonic treadmill,” they share. “It's about the feeling of chasing an ideal of satisfaction without ever catching it, and how that concept applies to love, to consuming products, the hamster wheel, the scrolling of timelines, the meeting of goals. Lighthearted, fun stuff like that.”
Along with the recording, the band is sharing a live performance video of the track, which sees them take the form of a three-piece in a foggy, obscurely lit room. Check out both below.
