Anjali Rose - “Seis Semanas”

“Seis Semanas,” the second track on Anjali Rose’s new album The World’s That Disappear, has taken on different forms. In a YouTube video from 2021, Rose plays a playfully sprightly and rhythmic version of the song with percussionist Jonathan Scales for his ‘Scales and Friend’ video series. The caption of the video indicates that Rose wrote the Spanish-language song (the title of which translates to “six weeks”)  in direct response to Alabama’s six-week abortion ban while living in Spain. The performance is soothing and palliative, and the version that appears on her new album builds off of that general vibe, but a deeper dive uncovers significant meaning behind her words. 

On the record, “Seis Semanas” assumes a more ambient form. It channels a folky aura, exploring differing sonic textures through layered guitars, echoing percussion, and Rose’s breathy, yet steadfast vocals. Her on-the-nose lyrical style is powerfully poignant with short, resonant vignettes that reference the unfair reality of facing an unwanted pregnancy. The second verse confronts this in an unadorned manner, roughly translating to: “Little girl now, mother. I'm guilty for having an infant. I'm responsible for you being the father.” Rose has no intention of sugarcoating this harsh reality, as the final, titular refrain loops before segueing into a short spurt of dissonant noise. The brief, but seemingly purposeful conclusion sets the scene for a confusing post-Roe reality, where uncertainty and fear have washed away serenity. 

Stream the track below!

The World’s That Disappear is available on limited edition cassette and compact disc via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Anjali by following her on Instagram.