First Listen: Leyla Ebrahimi Expands the Edges of Indie Alt-Pop with “i don’t like being left behind”
- LJ Portnoy

- Nov 20
- 2 min read

A sound that pulls you under
“i don’t like being left behind” opens in swirls and spirals, an ambient wash of synths that feel almost video game–esque. It is dreamy and atmospheric, yet it carries a pulse that instantly catches your attention. Leyla Ebrahimi’s voice enters with a softness that glows against the production. Even in these early moments, the track makes its intentions clear. This is indie alternative at its core, but it welcomes pop influences with open arms.
Where indie meets something bigger: Leyla Ebrahimi shows us something new
After the first chorus, the whole song shifts. Bursting guitars erupt through the mix and the track leans confidently into an alternative rock energy. Leyla anchors the moment with a hypnotic refrain of “I don’t like being left behind,” letting the line loop until it becomes almost trance-like. It is one of those passages that hits you on both a musical and emotional frequency, the kind that lingers long after it fades.
Her songwriter voice steps into view
The second verse brings everything back down. Leyla’s singer-songwriter sweetness rises to the surface and her vocal tone settles into something more vulnerable, more exposed. But the alternative edge returns quickly in the pre-chorus and chorus, reminding you that the softness is only one part of her palette. She moves between these worlds with a fluidity that feels natural and fully intentional.
A bridge that drifts into the surreal
The bridge transports the track into a completely new space. It feels dreamlike, almost otherworldly. The mix thins out and opens into something weightless, as if you’re slipping into another room inside the song. It is a moment that shows just how much range Leyla has as an artist. She is not afraid to experiment with mood and texture, and it pays off in a way that makes the track feel expansive.
A genre-blender with intention
This song is rich and layered. It blends indie pop, alternative rock, ambient textures, and singer-songwriter lyricism without ever feeling disjointed. Leyla’s tone ties everything together. Her voice is warm, honest, and expressive, and the production seems built to elevate that emotional center. There are so many unique touches in this track that listeners from almost any genre can find something to admire.
A promising glimpse into the future
“i don’t like being left behind” feels like a glimpse into what Leyla Ebrahimi is capable of. She has vision, range, and a creative instinct that bends genre lines rather than following them. If this is the direction she is moving in, the future looks incredibly bright. Leyla is an artist worth keeping close.

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