Celeste Corsano – XS
Celeste Corsano’s “XS” is a beautiful and deeply personal work of art-rock with progressive influences, combining openness, social criticism, and nostalgic production into something emotional and dramatic. Corsano uses her own experiences with body image, identity, and societal expectations to create a beautiful soundtrack of self-reflection. The music begins with a ’80s art-rock rhythm that recalls the sounds of Kate Bush, early 1980s Genesis, and the artistic elegance of Peter Gabriel’s solo career. Lush prog-inspired synths create a mood that feels like a lost gem from 1982: colorful, theatrical, and emotionally honest. Corsano’s cheerful and expressive vocals flow naturally through the mix, balancing sweetness with strong irony as she examines the silly idea of “fitting in.” Lyrically, “XS” is outstanding in its contradictions. On the surface, it plays with the actual idea of clothing sizes — “XS, extra small… XXS, perfect for sex,” but below it is an in-depth commentary on society’s obsession with perfection, approval, and excess. Corsano’s use of these size labels becomes almost ritualistic, creating an enigmatic song about the commercialization of identity and self-image. Musically complex and thematically profound, “XS” sounds retro and revolutionary, combining progressive rock sophistication with indie pop confessional elements. It’s a clever as well as moving single that validates Celeste Corsano’s particular voice, unafraid to address beauty standards, self-doubt, and the weird theater of modern perfection.
Photo Credit: Celeste Corsano photo by Jerry Reganess
https://celestecorsano.bandcamp.com
