By Colin 
Emerging alt-pop sensation annie on the run is making waves with her unique blend of haunting vocals, experimental soundscapes, and deeply personal storytelling. With her upcoming EP Neon Lit Slow Dance, set for release on 14 February 2025, the singer-songwriter offers a raw and evocative portrayal of queer experiences, love, and heartbreak.
The EP features the newly announced singles ‘Would He?’ and ‘Dance Until We Die’, each with its own distinctive sound and narrative. Through these tracks, annie on the run solidifies her position as a powerful voice in the LGBTQ+ music scene, blending influences from indie electronic, synthwave, and dream pop.
A Dark and Fierce Exploration of Love
‘Would He?’, a standout track from the EP, is described as “nightmare pop,” an intriguing counterpart to dream pop. Romantic yet darkly fierce, the song unfolds the inner conflict of a queer narrator questioning what her male love interest would not do, compared to what she would. The raw intensity of the lyrics builds to a climactic crescendo, mirroring the emotions many queer women have faced in navigating complex relationships.
Musically, ‘Would He?’ merges the lush, cinematic tones of synthwave and retrowave with an indie electronic backbone, delivering a soundscape that feels both retro and modern. It captures the essence of romantic turmoil while spotlighting a key part of the LGBTQ+ experience.
A Love Story Under Neon Lights
The second single, ‘Dance Until We Die’, is set to release on Valentine’s Day alongside the full EP. This track captures the fleeting magic of a chance encounter, telling the story of a one-night connection that feels timeless. With shimmering harmonies, retro gaming samples, and experimental beats, the song seamlessly blends dance and dream pop into an intoxicating, immersive journey.
‘Dance Until We Die’ reflects a softer, more hopeful side of queer love, balancing the EP’s emotional range. From heartache and apocalyptic despair post-breakup to euphoric moments in festival fields, Neon Lit Slow Dance promises to deliver a kaleidoscopic exploration of LGBTQ+ relationships.
Drawing comparisons to Billie Eilish and Phoebe Bridgers, annie on the run carves out her own space as a “dark force in LGBT storytelling.” Her ability to weave intricate emotions with genre-defying soundscapes sets her apart as an artist to watch.
With the release of Neon Lit Slow Dance, annie on the run is poised to resonate with fans worldwide, delivering a collection of tracks that celebrate love, heartbreak, and everything in between.