Montréal-based alternative hip-hop artist Boutique Feelings has released his new lead single, “Long Shore,” from his upcoming debut album Shwaya, Shwaya—out November 2025 via Mothland. The track is fully charged and ready to submerge you from the very first listen.
Subverting traditional compositional techniques, this new project from Karim Lakhdar—known as the singer, guitarist, and keyboardist for progressive psych-rock collective Atsuko Chiba—explores themes of cultural and personal identity through vivid, offbeat storytelling and catchy, distortion-mangled hooks, resulting in music that toes the line between rap, psychedelic funk, trip-hop, krautrock, as well as sample-based and electroacoustic music.
At 2 minutes and 51 seconds, “Long Shore” is best defined by its charged half-swing, distorted big beat, and echoed, opaque rap flow that is as lyrically prophetic as it is rhythmically addictive.
The track thrives on contrast—both eerie and soothing, distorted yet familiar.
Through a non-stop delivery of conscious and reflective lyrics, Lakhdar uses “Long Shore” to question social media as it increasingly becomes society’s main window to the outside world.
The repeated refrain hints at social media addiction with lines like, “I don’t wanna say you coming down with the virus,” serving as a passive-aggressive nod to our social landscape.
It’s less a direct accusation and more like the subtext of someone saying, “not trying to call it a problem, but it’s a little much how often you’re using social media to feel connected.”
The black-and-white music video shows Lakhdar head-banging, dancing, and letting loose, as if he’s in a mosh pit of one. Minimal and direct, he speaks straight to the camera—and it works perfectly.
“Long Shore” is a standout track and a perfect introduction to Boutique Feelings for those new to his music.
Connect with Boutique Feelings: Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp
