I can’t let go
I really want to though
Love me or I disappear
Hope takes over fear

Rejoice, alt-pop girlies, for Montréal-based indie artist DJ Puce has got a new song for you. Kitten Paws, a wintery tune inspired by yearning for something bigger than an unrequited love. For the anxious heart, Kitten Paws is song has lyrics that speaks right to you with a synths that feel as cool as the weather outside.

When I first listened to Kitten Paws, I was immediately struck by the electronic elements. Kitten Paws reminded me a lot of listening to a mix of Europop with hyperpop/electropop groups like 100 gecs, t.A.T.u., or Rebecca Black. The combination of electronic and pop is the perfect balance.

As the days slowly start to see more sun, Kitten Paws offers us a space to be ourselves as we get cloyingly closer to the warmth of spring. As they sing, “My heart feels cold in an oversized sweater, waiting on you like it’s winter forever.” But time goes on, and winter will soon be over.

In Kitten Paws, DJ Puce has the listener contending with unrequited love and the anxiety of dealing with it. For me, the composition and lyrics for Kitten Paws is both vulnerable and captivating — my two favourite things in a song across any genre.

The Kitten Paws music video feels really special to me. As a kid of the 2000s/early 2010s, watching the hazy video reminds me of my salad days when I’d make videos with my friends on my MacBook or with my family’s digital camera. The clips shot from a webcam, in particular, reminded me of Marina and the Diamonds during her Electra Heart era.

Coupled with the song itself, the video creates an atmosphere that feels icy but the interspersed indoor shots invite a cozier feeling. The vision for the music video comes together seamlessly with what the song is about.

Taking advantage of this winter’s snowfall plus the oversized sweaters and pair of Uggs builds a world that feels warm even it’s subzero outside. It feels like the perfect atmosphere for yearning for the warmth of another person.

When talking about the concept behind Kitten Paws, DJ Puce says, “I took the lyrics directly from my journal. And some quotes from my therapist — shout out to her. I’m raw and vulnerable. Be nice. Kitten paws are soft, but they still have claws.”

Kitten Paws is the second release from DJ Puce, coming after their debut single release HORS LA LOI. Personally, I love HORS LA LOI…it’s an upbeat, animated franco alt-pop song that makes me feel like jumping and dancing.

Both singles show DJ Puce’s ability to create a fast paced electropop track that will keep you moving.

You can listen to Kitten Paws below.

You can also listen to DJ Puce’s debut single, HORS LA LOI, below.

Have you listened to Kitten Paws? Let me know what you think in the comments below!