‘Artemas Follows Success of ‘I Like the Way You Kiss Me’ With ‘Yustyna’’

It’s difficult to picture anyone reading this who hasn’t heard “I Like the Way You Kiss Me,” the track by the quickly rising 24-year-old British singer-songwriter-producer Artemas. This song has swiftly become one of the biggest and most pervasive hits of 2024. Its pulsating beat and dark vibe, contrasted by a cheerful-sounding chorus, offer a perfect introduction to Artemas’ brand of dark bedroom pop. This style was first extensively showcased in his “Pretty” mixtape, released in February. The signature sound—marked by his whispered, echo-laden vocals, throbbing rhythms, piercing guitar, and a range of lo-fi effects and samples—continues in his new release, “Yustyna.”

Much like its predecessor, “Yustyna”—starting with “I Like the Way You Kiss Me”—alternates between upbeat tunes and moody tracks. Many of these songs are reminiscent of the Weeknd’s 2011 debut mixtape, “House of Balloons.” The lyrics, which are definitely not safe for work, delve into Artemas’ sexual confidence and his intentions with his partner, wrapped in a similarly ominous vibe, especially evident in tracks like “Baby Doll” and the title song. Other intriguingly titled songs include “Wet Dream,” “Ride Me Darling,” “Dirty Little Secret,” and “Kiss My Middle Finger.”

Artemas stated in the press notes that the lyrics are “intentionally divisive,” noting, “You’ll either find it sexy or vulgar.”

While the new mixtape features several standout songs, coming just five months after the 15 tracks on “Pretty,” they can start to blend together. Fortunately, the latter part of the mixtape shows him exploring new territory, with the slow-burning “Slow Dance” and more sophisticated songwriting in tracks like “I Always Knew You’d Be the Death of Me.” This creative evolution holds promise for his future releases.