Love can make people do some pretty questionable things. Sometimes we ignore the warning signs, convince ourselves everything is fine and keep returning to situations we know are hurting us. Sarina takes a closer look at that uncomfortable reality on “Obsession”, a dark, hard-hitting alternative rock release that challenges the difference between genuine affection and an unhealthy attachment.
Arriving just ahead of Halloween, “Obsession” feels right at home with its darker subject matter. The track explores the overwhelming desire to be close to someone, even when that attraction becomes destructive. What initially appears to be romantic devotion gradually reveals itself as something much more troubling, creating a story that many listeners may recognise from their own experiences with complicated relationships.
The song’s progression helps bring that idea to life. It begins with an almost innocent expression of affection, as Sarina sings about wanting someone forever and viewing them as a saviour. But as the track develops, the emotional picture becomes less comforting. The repeated checking, the frustration of going around in circles, and the difficulty of walking away all expose the exhausting pattern behind obsessive love.
Sarina’s commanding vocals give the subject plenty of intensity, particularly when the chorus delivers its blunt reminder that love can sometimes feel more like an addiction than a healthy connection. Rather than romanticising that experience, she confronts it directly, turning the song into a cathartic moment of recognition and release. It’s the kind of track that might make you want to sing along while also reminding you to take a closer look at your own relationship choices.
Behind the production is Kevin Thrasher, the platinum-selling producer and Escape the Fate guitarist who has also worked with Panic! At The Disco, Blink-182, and Avril Lavigne. His involvement helps shape the track’s edgy alternative rock character, while Maor Applebaum, whose credits include Faith No More and Rob Halford, handled the mastering. The accompanying visualizer adds another dimension to the release, giving the song a visual counterpart to its darker atmosphere.
Sarina’s musical identity has been shaped by a blend of alternative rock, pop-punk, and dark-pop influences. Born in Hawaii and raised in Tokyo, she has developed a sound that moves comfortably between heavy rock energy and more melodic pop sensibilities. Her previous releases, including the EPs Break Out!! and The Fool, along with the single “Hell has frozen over”, have helped establish that distinctive direction.
She has also been building an international presence, earning playlist support from Spotify and Apple Music, alongside coverage from publications including New Noise Magazine, Tokyo Noise, PopDust and Music Connection Magazine. Her recent headline appearances at Music Matters Singapore and the Japan Canada Music Festival, as well as a performance at Los Angeles’ WFNM showcase, point to an artist steadily expanding her reach.
With a new album and tour on the horizon, “Obsession” arrives as another strong addition to Sarina’s growing catalogue. It’s bold, emotionally direct and unafraid to explore the uncomfortable corners of human behaviour. Most importantly, it leaves listeners with a message worth remembering: not everything that feels irresistible is worth holding on to.
Sarina turns the darker side of desire into a fierce alternative rock statement on ‘Obsession’
