Caught in the cycle: Erica Manzoli’s digital confession.

One of the undeniable benefits of the internet is connection. You can connect with anyone you want any time you want– your friends, your exes, that one cousin you only see twice a year, a girl you haven’t spoken to since school and even celebrities that you’ll never meet. But has this connection gone too far? 

Erica Manzoli explores the downsides of the internet in her new single ‘Burn The Internet’, a melodic indie-pop tune which was released on the 11th April. Having made a name for herself on TikTok, Erica Manzoli is well-versed with the internet and has since amassed over 100,000 followers and over 1 million views on some of her videos. 

‘Burn The Internet’ possesses some of Manzoli’s most honest and relatable lyrics, bravely depicting her unfiltered experiences and exposing the not-so-pretty sides to us that the internet and social media can bring out. The lyrics admit to actions that the majority of this generation is quietly guilty of, like stalking her ex’s new girlfriend’s account, looking for hidden meanings in each post and spiralling late at night, ‘crying into a screen’. 

This criticism of the internet is wrapped up in an infectious indie-pop soundscape with a catchy chorus and dream-like synths. Manzoli’s vocals are soft and ethereal throughout the song, until the bridge where her frustration at the internet gushes out. Her soft vocals become angrier and are accompanied by heavy drums as she expresses her deep-seated annoyance at being ‘stuck in this cycle / it’s my downward spiral’. 

Erica Manzoli has been releasing music since 2022, but 2024 saw her come into her own, gaining momentum with the release of ‘Bunny’ and ‘Manic Pixie Dream Girl’, two synthy, dream-pop songs with strong visuals. ‘Burn The Internet’ has followed suit, proving that this is just the start for Manzoli.

9/10

Erica Manzoli’s ‘Burn The Internet’ has been added to under the radar’s Elite Picks.