Dominic Fike Taps Into an Enduring Schoolyard Love in New Single “Ant Pile”
Photo: Maxamillion Polo
Dominic Fike continues to keep us on our toes. The singer and Euphoria actor just announced his upcoming album Sunburn is set to be released on July 7, and his new single “Ant Pile” gives us a taste of what we can expect from the visionary artist.
The opening guitar riff, cleverly reminiscent of 2000s alternative rock, kicks the song off to a mesmerizing start. Short and sweet, the two-minute track delivers a glimpse into Fike’s early years growing up in Florida, the awkwardness of the developing stages of a crush, and the clumsiness of adolescent relationships.
"Ant Pile" encompasses coming-of-age in every sense, reflecting on this relationship through navigating playground teasing in the first grade, the awkwardness of puberty, high school hook-ups, and difficult family situations. It is a candid look at love throughout all stages of life, ultimately resulting in a relationship that is deeper and more acute than any other, the kind of love and understanding that you can only have if you really grow up with a person. As Fike puts it, “I've seen you fall to pieces / Seen you completely naked / There's no more ways you can surprise me.”
Fike is so talented at transporting you to an exact time and place through his music and imagery, and you can almost feel the Florida humidity through the production of “Ant Pile.” He always seems to be able to scratch that itch that listeners are looking for and keeps them coming back, delivering lyrics in a unique, punchy style that somehow blends seamlessly with any song. In the second verse of “Ant Pile,” he speeds through the lyrics, "Let me get a redo / Anywhere you wanna go and you can pick it / I can meet you," perfectly capturing his desperation to do over a first date where everything seemed to go wrong.
“Ant Pile” follows up “Dancing In The Courthouse” as the second song to be released in anticipation of Sunburn. As he continues to transcend classification, "Ant Pile" stands as a testament to Fike's artistic brilliance and sets the stage for a thrilling sophomore album.
Watch the "Ant Pile" video below:
