Sebastian Schaffer is a German artist who has made a name for himself under the radar with pop-rock anthems that combine aggressive instrumentation with motor riffs and thoughtful lyricism that tackle the human experience. There’s an exact, gnawing feeling that encapsulates a generation that’s always on the move yet still feels stuck. It is this complex feeling that German artist Sebastian Schaffer soars with and turns into an epic pop-rock banger in his commanding new single, "Mutual Feeling"
This track gets us with a guitar riff that is both of this moment and thrillingly familiar, that crunched theater kid’s vibe that Muse honed. This is not a song that enters a room on tippy-toes, it struts in with the rear-wheel drive confidence of a Royal Republic. In fact, you need to play this song as loud as you can. But as you settle into that driving rock rhythm, Schaffer finally breaks through to show you the song’s beating heart, a deep and soft longing to belong. “Mutual Feeling” paints a picture of being stuck in your own loops, never quite reaching a place or person that can finally be called home. It’s the anxiety of it all, feeling reactionary and treading water in a desperate wish to land somewhere. This openness is encapsulated perfectly in Schaffer’s voice, which carries an impressive clarity and emotional punch as it recalls the smooth, expressive sound of Charlie Puth.
What’s so powerful about “Mutual Feeling” is the beautiful seesaw between blustery power and close confession. The songs are hooky, tuneful, and fueled by heartfelt, emotional lyrics. It’s this push-and-pull that makes the track not just something to listen to, but an experience to feel. Sebastian Schaffer has made more than a single, he’s created a mirror for anyone lost on their journey. “Mutual Feeling” is its rocking counterpart for that journey, making sure you know you’re not alone in that sensation.
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