With her latest single “sister sister,” Colorado-based alt-pop artist Ariyel delivers one of her most emotionally resonant offerings to date—an ethereal and unflinching exploration of trauma, empathy, and the surprising bonds that form in its wake. Emerging as the second single from her forthcoming concept album, the track captures the unique emotional terrain of living with complex PTSD, while reframing the fraught narrative of “the other woman” into one of shared humanity. Featuring tender vocal work from Emily Sangder, “sister sister” is less about rivalry and more about reconciliation, told through a lens of feminine empathy and emotional honesty.
Ariyel’s ability to turn deeply personal stories into universal meditations shines here. Written late in the album process, the track feels like a turning point—not only in the album’s narrative arc but also in Ariyel’s journey as a songwriter. The lyrics navigate themes of betrayal, understanding, and personal growth with poetic restraint, never leaning into melodrama but instead honoring the emotional complexities with care. Where pop culture often pits women against each other in these dynamics, Ariyel offers an alternative: a moment of healing between two people wounded by the same emotional fault lines.
The sonic world of “sister sister” is lush and atmospheric, rooted in Ariyel’s original mellotron-laced demo and expanded with tasteful restraint by producer august mez. The production unfolds slowly, allowing space for the track’s emotional weight to land without ever overwhelming the listener. The harmonies between Ariyel and Emily Sangder are intimate and ghostly—echoes of both pain and connection—that linger long after the song fades out. Vocal production from Joshua Evan Lee adds subtle depth, drawing attention to the vulnerability in every breath and note.
“sister sister” cements Ariyel as a vital voice in the alt-pop space—one who doesn’t shy away from emotional depth or uncomfortable truths. Like Phoebe Bridgers or Clairo, her strength lies in the quiet moments: the aching details, the pauses between words, the emotional landscapes she maps without fanfare. With this track, Ariyel offers not just a song, but an act of emotional generosity—a rare and needed gesture in today’s pop narrative
“This was one of those therapy songs. I worked through the animosity I’d been holding onto and came out the other side. I hope it helps people feel less alone.”