asraii explores urban isolation in new song 'Rat'

Artist asraii has released a live video for the song 'Rat' via the ONE HOUR YouTube channel, using lyrics about holding a severed tail to depict the precariousness of isolation within an endless city.

Artist asraii has presented 'Rat', a song dealing with isolation and disconnection within the city. This pre-released live video, shared through the ONE HOUR channel, captures the lyrics and stage performance that embody the song's emotional essence.

Holding a severed tail in an endless city

asraii's 'Rat' uses lyrics to express the sense of loss and isolation felt within the space of a city. The song reflects the inner world of a narrator whose solitary habits increase while avoiding the concerns of others. In particular, the lyric, "If you hold onto a severed tail and stop walking in this endless city, you will be devoured," reveals the precariousness felt amidst the unstoppable flow of the city. This expression of being devoured if one stops walking while holding a severed tail adds tension to the track.

The lyrics also include a longing for something that cannot be found within the city. The question, "Perhaps there is no place for you in this city," connects with imagery such as the deep sea or river water, deepening the cold emotion provided by the urban space. Along with the phrase, "The sea is too deep, so look at the night where there is nothing while embracing you," the sentiment that there is no place for "you" in the city—much like the flow of a river—continues, with a suffocating urban pressure dominating the entire song.

Live performances held every Friday in Busan

ONE HOUR, which hosted this pre-released live performance, is a music channel that advocates for "a time of purity, a time as it is." In addition to this stage by asraii, ONE HOUR delivers music through a combination of regular live streaming and offline performances.

Live streaming is broadcast every Friday from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM via YouTube and CHZZK. Additionally, offline performances are held every Friday at 7:00 PM at the 3rd floor Live Hall of KT&G Sangsang Madang in Busan. The admission fee for offline performances is 10,000 won, and reservations can be made through Melon Ticket. Recorded versions of the live sessions are uploaded to YouTube every Thursday between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Inquiries can be made through the official ONE HOUR Instagram (@onehour_officia1).

Source: ONE HOUR (YouTube)