iheardasongtoday vol 4: Blac Francis “VA Confidential”

I am back with another review. #iheardasongtoday is theMSQshop’s way of breaking down music like music, not like a trend report. I live with a project long enough to find out what it really is, not what it pretends to be on first listen. Then I come back and talk about what stuck, what missed, and why.

VA Confidential by Blac Francis is different. It is experimental, and anything that takes risks is going to come with pros and cons. But one thing is not in doubt: the production is genuinely strong. It stays true to indie roots while still carrying mainstream appeal without sounding like it is reaching for it. That contrast is what keeps the whole project feeling interesting instead of optional.

Coming out the gate with “Hollywood” featuring Moeband$ immediately made me lean in, because the project is called VA Confidential and the title “Hollywood” puts a question in the air right away. The record explains itself. I always respect when an artist starts bold, and this one does. The first line is explicit enough to grab you by the collar and force your attention - "p*ssy feeling like it should" - so at minimum you are not drifting on track one. What I am mixed on is Blac Francis’ vocal approach. Sometimes it lands and sometimes I wish he chose a different key because it hits and it doesnt. Moeband$ is not bad on the feature either, it is just so short it barely registers.

As soon as “Casio” comes on, the song clicks for me. It is a bop, it is my favorite track here, and it is the one going straight to the playlist. I prefer Blac Francis in the deeper tones with the raspiness because it feels smoother and fits these beats better. Lyrically it is basic, and across the EP I do think he could challenge his pen more, but the music itself is doing so much heavy lifting that the record still works. This is where his sound feels most natural.

Then “A Body” loses me. It is easily my least favorite song on the project, and it is also the biggest earworm in the worst way. The attempt at wordplay paired with the higher vocal choices drives me crazy. This one is a pass.

Thankfully “Front Lobe” brings the balance back. It does a much better job blending the unique melodies, the production, and the storytelling. It is vibey, it plays into the branding and sonic cohesiveness well, and it sounds big. Even though it is about three minutes, it somehow feels like half that, and it leaves me in a weird spot where I want more even though three minutes is already solid in today’s climate. Either way, I like this track.

Overall, I respect when artists stay true to themselves and are not afraid to step into their own light. Knowing what I know about Blac Francis’ live show, this project fits that aesthetic, and that context matters. This is one I want to live with a little longer to see if the moments I do not appreciate right now grow on me later. The production is genuinely great, the cohesiveness is pretty complete, and I would encourage him to keep pushing the boundaries.

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Written by Will

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