ALBII channels survival and artistry on haunting new single ‘PTSD’

Australian alt-pop artist ALBII closes out 2025 with a song that is as raw as it is ethereal. ‘PTSD’ is a haunting exploration of her journey through breast cancer, transforming pain, resilience, and vulnerability into a soundscape that is both delicate and devastatingly powerful.

Known for her playful yet authentic approach to music, ALBII blends 2000s pop sensibilities with space-rock textures and Tim Burton-inspired cinematic flair, creating a distinct, dreamlike sonic world. While her rise as a vocalist has been swift, highlighted by winning Visual Creative of the Year at the 2022 Gold Coast Music Awards and earning international recognition for debut single Hold On (Psycho), ‘PTSD’ marks her most intimate work yet.

The song was born out of a profoundly personal experience. In 2023, ALBII faced an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis, temporarily pausing her career. During treatment and recovery, she recorded ‘PTSD’ in her bedroom studio, weaving together raw vocal takes, hospital sounds, and home video snippets. The result is a track that doesn’t just narrate her story, but immerses listeners in it: every note and rhythm reflecting moments of fear, pain, and perseverance.

Sonically, ‘PTSD’ channels the minimalism of dodie, the emotive storytelling of Phoebe Bridgers, and the soft, commanding presence reminiscent of Billie Eilish. The track begins with a quiet intimacy, gradually building into a chaotic, cathartic crescendo that mirrors the emotional intensity of ALBII’s journey. Subtle shifts in rhythm and dynamics amplify the tension, creating a listening experience that is as haunting as it is immersive.

“This song is both my story and something bigger,” ALBII says. “It’s about carrying heavy experiences and turning them into something that feels less like a weight and more like someone finally gets it.” That sense of shared vulnerability runs throughout the track, offering both a personal testament and a broader reflection on the emotional toll of surviving cancer.

‘PTSD’ is a statement of strength, creativity, and the power of turning adversity into art. Through it, ALBII not only processes her own trauma but invites listeners to sit with their own experiences, finding beauty and resilience in the most difficult moments. It’s a deeply moving finale to the year, and a reminder of the profound ways music can heal, connect, and transform.