On June 17, 2025, rapper Bas and London-based electronic duo The Hics released Melanchronica, a collaborative album that delves into themes of longing, duality, and the complexities of modern life. This project marks Bas’s return since his 2023 release, We Only Talk About Real Sht When We’re F**ked Up, and showcases a matured sound shaped over nearly a decade of collaboration.
The partnership between Bas and The Hics began in 2015 when Bas discovered their track “Cold Air” on GTA V’s Worldwide FM. This initial connection led to collaborations on Bas’s 2016 album Too High to Riot, including tracks like “Matches” and “Ricochet.” Their creative synergy has since evolved, culminating in Melanchronica, an album crafted across five cities and reflecting years of shared artistic growth.
Announced during Bas’s performance at the final Dreamville Festival in April 2025, Melanchronica comprises ten tracks that blend introspective hip-hop with ethereal electronic elements. The album features notable collaborations, including “Norbit” with Ab-Soul and “Erewhon” featuring Saba.
“Norbit” stands out with its gritty production and poignant lyrics. Bas delivers verses about personal growth and resilience, while Ab-Soul contributes a powerful performance addressing themes of betrayal and defiance. The track’s black-and-white music video complements its emotional depth, transitioning between serene natural landscapes and chaotic urban scenes.
In contrast, “Erewhon” offers a more introspective tone. The Hics provide a dreamy backdrop with soft guitars and ambient strings, setting the stage for Bas and Saba to explore the emotional toll of ambition and the pursuit of inner peace. The song’s refrain, “I wanna waste some time,” encapsulates a desire to find stillness amid life’s chaos.
The album’s lead single, “Everyday Ppl,” released in April 2025, showcases the seamless blend of Bas’s lyrical prowess and The Hics’ soulful melodies. The track transitions from a mellow introduction to a more upbeat rhythm, reflecting the complexities of love and vulnerability.
Melanchronica delves into themes of lost love, self-reflection, and the duality of human experience. Bas describes the album as an exploration of “the longing of a lost love, the battle between our own duality, and the pensive self-reflection of one’s own shortcomings.” Roxane Barker of The Hics adds that the project addresses “a desire for more, a longing to have everything you want when you want it,” highlighting the existential challenges faced in various aspects of life.
The Hics, formed in 2012 by Sam Paul Evans and Roxane Barker, have a history of blending electronic, soul, and jazz influences. Their collaboration with Bas on Melanchronica represents a culmination of their shared artistic journey, offering listeners a nuanced and emotionally resonant experience.
With Melanchronica, Bas and The Hics invite audiences into a reflective space, encouraging contemplation of personal struggles and the pursuit of connection in an increasingly complex world.