Theo Kandel's "Anaconda Hearts" Is a Striking Portrait of a Broken Relationship [Premiere]

image

Photo:  Gabe Drechsler and Trent Millspaugh

Following the success of his last single, “I Don’t Wanna Think About That,” Theo Kandel continues through the timeline of a breakup with his latest single, “Anaconda Hearts.” The song, which drops tomorrow May 28, compares his broken relationship to the strength of an anaconda and is paired with a visually stimulating and intimate music video.

“Anaconda Hearts” begins with a dreamy soundscape featuring horns and sultry guitar picking that sets the scene for listeners. Composed in a 5/4 meter, a meter uncommon for this style of music, the song nonetheless captures our attention with Kandel’s warm vocals and radically honest lyrical style. “I like to think it’s not an inaccessible five-four - you almost don’t even recognize it,” notes Kandel. “Fusing all of these elements together to make it sound like nothing that I’ve heard - I’m proud of that. I’m proud of creating something that I think is accessible and also interesting... I think that people of all different musical backgrounds can find something in that song.”

The music video for the single is an equally enthralling yet simplistic piece of art. Viewers are met with hazy scenes of Kandel sitting alone in a room full of greenery intercut with nostalgic, camcorder shot scenes, which have become a staple in the artist’s music videos. Pensively looking into the camera, Kandel grapples with what to say and do during the deafening silence between two lovers about to part ways. “We suffocate and squeeze too hard,” sings the rising alternative-pop singer-songwriter as actual anacondas and boa constrictors wrap and slither all over his body.

“Anaconda Hearts” is from the artist’s forthcoming concept EP, Spin Cycle, which will be released June 18. The record is musically intricate, layered, and blends a variety of instrumentation that creates a solid sonic identity that directly distinguishes Kandel as an artist. Each song from the EP will also have a companion music video to elevate the listening experience and tell the story of each song in a visual medium.

Watch the  "Anaconda Hearts" video below:

Related Articles

Joyful Resistance: Corook at OTW Pride

Joyful Resistance: Corook at OTW Pride

June 25, 2025 Earlier this month, OnesToWatch brought together a small group of artists and friends for a Pride celebration that felt like one big love letter to queer creativity.
Author: Ariana Tibi
pop
Syd Taylor Talks Finding Herself Through Her Debut Album and Labor of Love, After the Fact [Q&A]

Syd Taylor Talks Finding Herself Through Her Debut Album and Labor of Love, After the Fact [Q&A]

June 25, 2025 We were lucky enough to chat with Syd about her album, her journey since going solo, and how she used her music as a method of self-discovery.
Author: Chancey Stefanos
pop
sombr Mourns a Love That Never Was in "we never dated"

sombr Mourns a Love That Never Was in "we never dated"

June 21, 2025 sombr continues to bare all in his discography, a formula that’s left an entire fandom ravenous.
Author: Jazmin Kylene
pop