LISTEN: Holy Pinto Finds The Silver Lining Through Nimble Pop On “Mac DeMarco (i can’t be)”

Holy Pinto is the indie-pop project of songwriter Aymen Saleh. Starting in the UK with a raw, youthful punk sound, Holy Pinto gradually evolved into colorful, genre-defying indie-pop. After falling in love with the touring life – a mix of carefree independence and serendipitous moments – Saleh eventually moved stateside and made Milwaukee, Wisconsin, his home.

“Mac DeMarco (i can’t be)” is the latest in Holy Pinto’s single parade, and Saleh’s first release under the moniker of 2026. Based on a true story about Saleh’s case of mistaken identity at the border between Canada and the U.S., the latest Pinto single is a proper introduction to the vulnerable pop bliss the act can conjure. The storytelling is enticing, no detail left unanalyzed, captivating the listener while doubling as a cathartic therapy session for Saleh. Being mistaken for a successful, talented musician is nice. Still, when you have a voice of your own in the art form and a strong sense of your musical self, being recognized for that would be even nicer, and Saleh’s individuality is all over this track. The velvet vocals, paired with the quaint bedroom-pop production, make it the perfect canvas for the artist to paint their portrait. The latest Holy Pinto tune is pop storytelling excellence that pairs reality with dream.