The saga began in the shadows. For years, Allie X had been the internet’s best-kept secret, a Canadian synth-pop alchemist who wrote hooks so sharp they could cut glass. But the road to CollXtion II was paved with frustration.
The album’s development was unique for its interactive approach. In 2016, Allie X launched CollXtion II: Ʉnsolved
A collaboration with the late SOPHIE (her only co-production credit on a non-PC Music release), “Vintage” is about performing desirability. The lyric “I’m vintage, baby / You can’t afford me” is both a flex and a lament. The track’s metallic percussion and warped bass suggest a luxury object that is also a trap. The protagonist knows she is being fetishized for her “old soul” aesthetics, but she leans into the role because it grants temporary power. The bridge (“You want a woman who’s a lady / And a lover who’s a freak”) exposes the impossible dual demand placed on women’s sexuality. allie x collxtion ii
Born Alexandra Ashley Hughes, Allie X began her music career in her teenage years, performing in local bands and experimenting with songwriting. Her early work was marked by a DIY ethos, with lo-fi productions and introspective lyrics that explored themes of love, heartbreak, and growing up. As she honed her craft, Allie X began to develop a distinctive sound that blended elements of electronic music, pop, and avant-garde styles.
The album opens with one of Allie X’s most enduring commercial successes. Built around a infectious, whistling hook and a bouncy bassline, "Paper Love" uses the metaphor of origami and paper cuts to describe a highly toxic, disposable romance. The lyrics ( "I know that he's a bad boy, he's a bad boy / But I think I love a paper love" ) capture the conscious decision to engage in a relationship that you know will inevitably destroy you. 2. Vintage The saga began in the shadows
Contributed to the vulnerable, narrative-driven songwriting process.
COLLXTION II is a bold, innovative EP that cements Allie X's status as one of the most exciting and experimental artists in pop music today. With its dark, moody soundscapes and introspective lyrics, the EP is a must-listen for fans of artists like Grimes, Tove Lo, and Charli XCX. The album’s development was unique for its interactive
COLXCTION II features a range of collaborators, including producers and songwriters who have helped shape Allie X's distinctive sound. Notable contributors include Gramatik, Bloodshy, and Stars-2-Shit, among others.
“You’re the last one,” Lana said. “He’s been hunting us. But you—you’re his masterpiece. He’ll tear this city apart to get you back.”
A rare moment of warmth on the record, "That's So Us" is an unconventional love song. It celebrates a bond built on shared eccentricities, flaws, and mutual weirdness, wrapped in a bouncy, upbeat pop production. 9. Downtown