Baïki - KosmoX
Are humans capable of living in peace without identifying an enemy to hate?
By Grace
8/3/20262 min read
BAÏKI "KosmoX"
Belgian artist Phil uses science fiction as a mirror for humanity on his latest single, "KosmoX." The song imagines humanity venturing into space to find some newfound peace. However, Phil frames this search leading only to the continuation of colonialism, greed, and violence. The result is a French-sung concept song that shows social commentary with a playful sound.
Lyrically, "KosmoX" focuses on exposing humanity's oldest flaws. The song opens by declaring, "La solution vient de l'espace" ("The solution comes from space"), immediately presenting the absurd notion that peace can only be achieved by finding someone else to hate. Phil also has lyrics that focus on colonisation, singing "Une autre planète à saloper / De nouvelles richesses à pomper" ("Another planet to ruin / New riches to exploit"), reducing space exploration to greed. The irony continues with "Montrons-nous fermes, restons humains"("Let's stay strong, let's remain human"). Perhaps the song's most cutting lyric rives in the repeated refrain, "On n'a jamais inventé mieux / Que le bon vieil ennemi commun" ("We've never invented anything better than the good old common enemy"), suggesting that society is incapable of unity without fear. By the final verse, where Phil imagines aliens becoming scapegoats, "Tu les accuses de tous les maux / Et tu verras... enfin, les Terriens sont unis"("Blame them for all our problems / And you'll see... at last, the people of Earth are united"). Rather than offering an upbeat, hopeful song, KosmoX’s songwriting highlights that unless our values change, we'll just continue our divisions.
Production wise, that theatrical approach extends. The tarc was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Studio La Rivière and balances alternative rock with cinematic additions that perfectly suit its science-fiction vibe. Meanwhile, the music video adds to the concept. Directed by Yves Huppen, it remodels a modest workshop into a futuristic world, using green-screen technology and visual effects. Impressively, Phil performs more than 30 different characters himself.
Fans of artists such as Stromae, Indochine, M, or even the Talking Heads and Devo will love KosmoX's talent of mixing social commentary with melodies. Landing somewhere between alternative rock, art-pop, and theatrical chanson, Phil releases a song that asks difficult questions about humanity's future - such as can changing planets change ourselves?
