Agora Sci-Fi
Finding It Hard To Explain Something So Obvious (EP)

lofi music / fuzz pop / jangle pop / bedroom pop / indie pop

Agora Sci-Fi is the solo recording project of renowned animator and artist Nathania Rubin. This debut EP, Finding It Hard to Explain Something So Obvious, drifts with a distinctly languid angst, exploring themes of wasted youth—especially evident in the brilliant track “Tabs”—as well as the absurdity of identity. It examines how the drudgery of real life often distorts our ‘identity intentions’ unless we are willing to accept the altered reality and falsehood of the character portrayed in “For Jandek.”

The musical atmosphere encourages a complimentary sense of resignation, characterized by a juxtaposition of dry slacker-pop riffs and faux jangled highlights. This creates a holistic impression of perfectly under-produced imperfection, particularly evident in tracks like “Portals,” “Tabs,” and “For Jandek” as Rubin’s naturally melancholy vocal sweetness delivers sharp observations about various situations and personalities.

In comparison, “Sloppy” swirls through a dreamy maelstrom of fuzz-pop, while the wonderful “To Be Free” carries the dreamy textures into a quieter realm of indie-pop, reminiscent of artists like Snail Mail and Hatchie. Both tracks, however, are infused with a sense of lived-in world-weariness that aligns seamlessly with their somewhat matter-of-fact emotionality.

Finding It Hard to Explain Something So Obvious demonstrates that Rubin’s artistic talent extends beyond mere surface-level appeal, positioning her as a key figure for those who appreciate jangle-pop presented with a more alternative edge.