Track Review: Remi Wolf - Photo ID (Ft. Dominic Fike)

There I was, scrolling the internet looking for new music as you do, when an old memory popped up in my head. My friend used to go and search the 'Alternative or Indie music charts' and surprisingly we would always find a track or two that we really liked. Being bored and failing to find any new tracks that excited me I decided what the hell, and tried looking through the 'Alternative Music Charts'. As expected 99% of the songs were boring and uninspired. I was about to click away when a particular video caught my eye. I was not prepared for what came next.

The video was colourful, fast paced and energetic. Remi was dressed in the the most unique fashion that I can only describe as a fusion between 2000's, a flower bomb and Jamiroquai-esk. A ridiculous description I know, but watch all of Remi's videos and you'll quickly understand. A small, quiet introductory passage plays, then the hook hits.

Upon my first listen I was intrigued by this vocal melody. To describe it as catchy would be an understatement. If I was to describe my listening habits, I would consider myself an avid champion of listening to albums, from start to finish. But every now and then a track comes along that completely consumes my life. For weeks I will struggle to listen to anything else, the hook becomes my drug. This was one of those occasions.

Blending modern pop production with elements of funk and soul, Remi creates a sound fitting for the internet era. This version was not her first iteration of the song however, which appeared on her 2020 EP 'I'm Allergic to Dogs!'. Someone has clearly seen the hit potential of this track and not only is the updated version even catchier, but up and coming star Dominic Fike lends his vocals to increase the virality of the production. He chimes in with his charming, warm and sometimes comic lines such as "photos of my toes on my OnlyFans". His flow is reminiscent of André 3000 in his later more pop oriented tracks. The overall verse is fun, visceral and fits the 'feel' of the song quite well.

Reading into the lyrics I interpret this sunny song as darker than I expected. Remi sings of not being able to see or dream without an individual that is 'mean' to her and who is potentially drug addicted. Remi finds herself "stuck behind your beat" as she also describes that she cannot hear without her beloved influences 'Billy and Badu'. I'm assuming she is talking of Erykah Badu though I do not know who she is referencing when talking about Billy. Maybe Billy Ray Cyrus. Regardless she talks of needing others to feel comfort in her life, slightly admitting to this with the recurring line "S**t gets weird when you talk about it". The chorus in contrast talks of her catching this individual "sipping on lean" but then she says "that's how it's supposed to be". That you should smile for the photo ID as it is where she and the individual can be free. Fike re-enforces this later in his verse discussing that it's the photos in his room that keep him from going insane and that it's the memories that bring him happiness.

Despite the innate behaviour of the persons discussed in the song and how Remi feels trapped to follow, she focuses on the memories they create which she ultimately sees as more important.

Remi's visuals were so bold and garish that I had to do a deeper dive into her history to see how she came to be this way. To my surprise in her early career she seems quite 'normal'. I use this term very lightly and sarcastically. She made an appearance on American Idol and had a few videos on the internet of covers she had done. The covers where fine and Remi's powerful voice was impressive but nothing immediately stood out to me. What really interests me is how she went from this appearance, later to emerge with the hyper colourful visuals that she now adopts. Alongside her vibrant music it's wonderful to see Remi express herself without any care in the world.

After this research and returning to the track I can only feel this has added to the context of the song itself. As Remi mentions how she is "stuck behind your beat" or cannot see, hear or dream without this individual, it comes across to me that she feels trapped by her surroundings. Despite this however, her visuals tell that somewhere down the line she has escaped these feelings and is now living freely in her image to create memories that she will cherish.

I'm probably reading way too much into a song that simply serves as an internet banger, but I cannot help but learn everything about an artist when I get this hooked by a song.

Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed being sucked into the world of Remi Wolf and heavily anticipate what she has planned next. This is an up and coming artist to keep your eyes and ears on in the future. If you enjoy this track I would recommend listening to her EP 'I'm Allergic to Dogs!' even if the EP's version of Photo ID is not as catchy.

I give this track a (9-)

(My scores will be based on a combination of numerical grading from 1-10 mixed with an alphabetical grating system such as B+. As an example if I feel that a track or album is of good quality but just missed the next numerical grade I would give this a score of 7+ rather than a 7 or 8).

Thanks for reading,

Luke Puzzar