(December 7, 2023) The greater Toronto area of Ontario, Canada, has produced a vibrant array of soulful, internationally successful vocalists over the past few decades. Deborah Cox, Tamia, and The Weeknd are just a few who spring to mind. One of the latest acts to emerge is Brampton-based Action Forever. Fronted by pensive songwriter and silky-smooth singer Sim, the act is off to a promising start with the cool and dark midtempo funk of its debut single, “Loveless Love.”
(December 7, 2023) The greater Toronto area of Ontario, Canada, has produced a vibrant array of soulful, internationally successful vocalists over the past few decades. Deborah Cox, Tamia, and The Weeknd are just a few who spring to mind. One of the latest acts to emerge is Brampton-based Action Forever. Fronted by pensive songwriter and silky-smooth singer Sim, the act is off to a promising start with the cool and dark midtempo funk of its debut single, “Loveless Love.”
Composed during lockdown and fully realized recently, “Loveless Love” tackles the growing phenomenon of virtual sexual relationships in an entrancing musical context that is at once eerily futuristic and comfortably nostalgic. Says Sim of the track: “Instrumentally, I always had this idea of making something sound ‘slowed down’—like it was swimming in syrup—but without using software or tape speed…Loosely, the song tells the story of a man who is entranced by the world of live online sex, so much so that he gives up who he is: his morals, his dreams, his money…for virtual transactional relationships with performers who he ultimately falls in ‘love’ with.”
Indeed, the hauntingly atmospheric synth work and classic drum and bass groove of “Loveless Love” intertwine with Sim’s restlessly sensual tenor tones to acutely convey the tune’s themes of arousing pleasure and hollow pain. The unexpected, prolonged ending reinforces the inherent contradictions of the subject matter and rings starkly true after reveling in the swirling ambience of the song.
Take a First Listen to “Loveless Love” below and welcome Action Forever to SoulTracks!
Action Forever - "Loveless Love"