Pop – Page 4 – MELT REVIEWS

Track Review: Tanya Nambiar – Stranger in Our Bed

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Artist: Tanya Nambiar

Song: Stranger in Our Bed

Genre: Pop/R&B/Easy Listening

Label: Self-released

It’s that feeling of betrayal no one should ever have to face. That heartbreaking moment when you find out your lover has been unfaithful to you. Upon this discovery you can either unfairly blame yourself and ask what you did wrong while rage fills your heart as you try not to murder your significant other and the person they’re having an affair with, or you can realize your self-worth and take the high road as you break it off with your cheating partner and move on to a life of self-discovery and self-empowerment. New Delhi based artist Tanya Nambiar chooses the latter on her new single “Stranger in Our Bed.” Backed by lush and smooth instrumentation that features an easy listening blend of Pop, R&B, Funk, and Rock, Nambiar paints a vivid picture of this scenario with her ever so smooth vocals that are soulful and inspiring as she breaks it off with her partner as opposed to succumbing to rage. We’ve all heard countless songs about infidelity that are embedded in anger and vengeance, but it’s rare when we hear songs about said subject that are upbeat and hopeful in tone, and Nambiar tackles this subject in a way that feels universal. Even though many have thankfully not gone through this scenario, EVERYONE will feel something and identify with the message of self-empowerment, and that’s the sign of a true artist. A visionary that draws you in.

Written By: Steven Sandoval

E.P. Review: Lucky Iris – Turns Out We Should Have Stayed At Home

Artist: Lucky Iris

EP: Turns Out We Should Have Stayed At Home

Genre: Pop/Alternative Pop/Indie Pop

Label: Self-released

Rating: 8/10

Remember when we used to be able to go out? Seems like forever ago doesn’t it? Though it was fun to spend a night out on the town bar hopping, hanging out with friends, and meeting new people, there were also those nights where things didn’t go according to plan. Where we’d end up alone, surrounded by laughing people having fun while we stared at our phones to look busy and less alone. Where are the club anthems about those nights? Leeds duo “Lucky Iris” haven’t forgotten about those nights, and they’ve captured that feeling perfectly on their debut E.P. Turns Out We Should Have Stayed At Home. Formerly of the band “Everyday People,” “Lucky Iris” consists of vocalist Maeve and producer Jasper, and their chemistry is impeccable as the two create Pop music with an Alternative edge mixing a bit of Indietronica, R&B, and piano lead sentiment that is as heavy on self-realization as it is melancholy. Turns Out We Should Have Stayed At Home isn’t a preachy statement, but it is a deep look inward that frequently looks outward at the same time. It’s a concept E.P. about the nights of feeling the need to fill that void with validation from others, and with this dive into this reality these songs realize the superficiality that comes out of it all. “When I was younger I was told to be kind and look nice, but to be seen and not heard. Then they taught me to argue, how to think for myself, but now i’m too outspoken, they still call me little girl” sings Maeve on the opening track “Get Ready With Me,” a song that notices roles we feel like we must play when it comes to social situations, but instead of having a “humanity is doomed” tone, “Get Ready With Me” feels like it has two meanings. On the surface it sounds like our narrator is getting ready for a night out, but there can also be an underlying message of self-acceptance as she encourages us to get ready for a better human condition if we were to just acknowledge who we truly are instead of succumbing to social norms. At least that’s my interpretation. The following track “Take 5 (Why Can’t You See Me?)” is a beautiful piano-driven song about the feeling of isolation as you’re alone but surrounded by people who look right through you. It’s vulnerable and quite possibly the biggest tearjerker on the E.P. That’s what’s so fascinating and refreshing about this music, it’s honest, it’s not afraid to be vulnerable, and it’s a look at how social norms can truly damage someone’s self-esteem and mental state, but it isn’t all a grim look into those nights. “Glitter Vision” is the most danceable track which is fitting seeing as how the subject is about the point where you start to appreciate your own company and dance the night away by yourself, unafraid of the feelings of alienation, but like the frequent ups and downs of life, this track is immediately followed by a broken mindset on the closing track “Fell Backwards.” It’s a painful listen and I mean that in the kindest way possible. Since this is a concept album, which to me is like a film, I don’t want to spoil the ending, but it leaves the listener on a sad note as our narrator feels alone, broken, and unsure what to do following everything she’s done to appease others only to feel like she’s falling backwards. It’s a lot to take in. If you were to restart this E.P. over again you’d get that mood shift again, like a constant loop, much like the shifting moods of our lives. This is a fascinating listen because it doesn’t glorify the partying lifestyle. It by no means says going out is devoid of it’s fun and memorable times, but it is a reminder that things can be very shallow out there, and that we should treat each other better, including yourself. Here’s to when we can go out again.

Written By: Steven Sandoval

https://luckyirisband.hearnow.com/?fbclid=IwAR29bLo2Jdf-_TsuZug7gg4ND-FIRaUAXKjIjvRIy5mk4P9zvr6joPGu9lc

Maryze Shares New Music Video for “Dis-Moi”

Montréal-based musician Maryze released one of the most enthralling and immediately captivating EPs of 2019. Titled Like Moons, the five-song EP was an exploration in Electro-Pop, Synth-Pop, and R&B. Her lusciously smooth vocals and inward looking themes combined with her ambition to experiment with various musical styles has made her an artist to watch in the world of Pop and R&B. Without a doubt one of the most standout tracks on the EP is “Dis-Moi.” Sung entirely in French, the song represents Maryze’s French heritage. When translated to English for people like me who aren’t fluent in French but admire the beauty of it, it’s clear that the song is about wanting to tell your significant other everything you keep inside. Your secrets of your past, the darker thoughts that surface in your mind, or maybe a mental illness, these are all things that can frighten one into not letting someone in for fear of being judged or losing someone over it. Is it a form of lying not telling my loved one everything about me? Will this person stay if I tell them my darkest secrets? These are questions most of us have asked ourselves at some point, and Maryze beautifully conveys this theme over smooth 80’s driven production that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Nicolas Winding Refn film. Today Maryze has released a new music video for “Dis-Moi,” and it perfectly captures the sensual but dark nature of the song. The video is intentionally lo-fi evoking the nostalgia of the days of VHS, and it also pays homage to Dario Argento with a color scheme similar to his style. The video even features various scenes from his film Suspiria, and being a Horror fanatic you can imagine my excitement when watching this video. It’s clear Maryze has a vision for every song she creates and there’s never a second of filler. You can watch the music video for “Dis-Moi” below:

Gorillaz “Plastic Beach” Turns 10

On this day in 2010 “Gorillaz” released their conceptual masterpiece Plastic Beach. Five years after the release of their groundbreaking album Demon Days, the band released an album even more ambitious with a myriad of features perfectly utilized and an environmentalist theme that doesn’t bombard you with over-serious preachiness. 10 years later this album still holds up, and is a prefect representation of how “Pop” music can be as thoughtful as it is fun. Happy Anniversary.

Gorillaz Share New Song “Désolé” featuring Fatoumata Diawara

It’s nice to see “Gorillaz” being as active as they’ve been in recent years. For awhile we grew to expect long gaps in between albums, but hey, Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett are busy guys. After a 7 year gap following The Fall, everyone’s favorite animated band released Humanz and The Now Now just a year later. It’s looking like the band aren’t going to disappear anytime soon, because so far this year as part of their “Song Machine” series, the band dropped their Punkishly anthemic track “Momentary Bliss” featuring slowthai and “Slaves,” and now following that up the band have released another new track titled “Désolé” featuring Malian musician Fatoumata Diawara. The track is both upbeat and melancholy with bouncy synths and dramatic strings while Albarn and Diawara sing in English, French, and Bambara. No word on whether or not this is a roll-out for an upcoming album, but I truly hope it is, because the band sound rejuvenated and more inspired than they did on The Now Now. You can watch the music video for “Désolé” below:

Album Review: Poppy – I Disagree

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Artist: Poppy

Album: I Disagree

Genre: Pop/Nu-Metal/Metalcore/Industrial Metal

Label: Sumerian Records

Rating: 10/10

Whenever an artist announces that they’ll release a new album consisting of sounds from a genre they’re not primarily known for, it’s hard not to be skeptical or roll your eyes upon hearing the news. There’s always that chance that the outsider not versed in the genre will regurgitate stereotypes and package it as whatever genre they’re going for. So when word caught on that musician and internet sensation “Poppy” was going to release a heavier and darker album, it unsurprisingly divided the fans that loved her sugary “Alt Pop” and immediately prompted “Metal” elitists to throw a fit, but what seemed like something that would fall into parody turned out to be rather impressive. Fucking incredible to be honest. I’ve been aware of Poppy. Though I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a fan of her previous work, i’ve always respected the unusual and artistic take on her own brand of “Pop,” and even the strange David Lynch-esque nature of her internet videos. Her new album I Disagree wasn’t necessarily a priority for me and after how stacked this year has already been so far with new releases I honestly and ashamedly had forgotten about it, but after much buzz I finally listened to it, and I was pleasantly surprised. This is the most accomplished fusion of Metal, Pop, and Electronic Music i’ve heard in a very long time. This album works on so many levels. It’s undeniably heavy, drawing influences from “Metalcore” and “Nu-Metal,” it’s immensely polished with pristine yet filthy production that incorporates elements of “Dubstep” and “Industrial,” and Poppy’s “burn shit down” attitude combined with a sense of maturity, optimism, and animated yet lush vocals are a recipe for success. Another reason why this album works is that Poppy doesn’t sound like she’s trying to sound “Metal.” She’s not throwing up devil horns while wearing a pentagram t-shirt. Instead she’s just being Poppy, a darker Poppy yes, but this progression feels genuine. Though lyrically simplistic, Poppy’s intentions are clear. They’re to inspire. To inspire us to be true to ourselves, to question authority, to be free, and to innovate, and not once does it come off as corny. To all the Metalheads that will dismiss her as a “poser” or disingenuous, think of it this way, she never actually said she was making a “Metal” album, she’s just incorporating a darker sound while showcasing her love for all things “Metal,” and by default the album is undeniably “Metal” and drags the genre kicking and screaming out of it’s element. The fact that it takes someone who’s primarily known for “Pop” to do that says a lot about your refusal to evolve. Poppy is going to do Poppy, unafraid of backlash, and that’s utterly inspiring.

Written By: Steven Sandoval

Lau.ra Shares New Song “Sideways,” Featuring Secaina

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We’re patiently waiting to hear the upcoming highly-anticipated “Ultraísta” album, but that’s not the only project we’ll be hearing Laura Bettinson on. Today she has released a new single under the name “Lau.ra” titled “Sideways,” and it features Secaina on vocals as well. The track is a fun “House” music induced banger that finds Bettinson showing her wonky side. You can listen to “Sideways” below:

Maryze Shares New Music Video for “B.O.Y.”

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There’s just something about Maryze’s music that will put you in a meditative state. A meditative state of self-realization and self-acceptance. Anyone can listen to her smooth, sensual, and thought-provoking sound and find solace regardless of what background you come from, so it’s no surprise that her single “B.O.Y.” resonates greatly. Off her latest E.P. Like Moons, an E.P. that displays her eclectic talent with mood-shifting “R&B” with an experimental side, “B.O.Y” (because of you) is described by Maryze as “reclaiming control from whatever toxic pattern is holding you back, whether it’s within yourself, or with another person.” Produced by BrotherNature, the track carries a 90’s R&B/Hip Hop feel, but manages to stand on it’s own while Maryze’s vocals carry a balance of melancholy and upliftment guiding the listener to liberation. The music video, directed by Mexican-Canadian artist Malaika Astorga is wonderfully shot with an earthly look displaying the spiritual beauty of mother nature. You can watch the music video for “B.O.Y.” below:

Le Tigre’s Self-titled Debut Turns 20

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On this day in 1999 “Le Tigre” released their self-titled debut album. Following the disbandment of “Bikini Kill,” lead singer Kathleen Hanna formed Le Tigre with fellow musicians Johanna Fateman and Sadie Benning. Le Tigre were originally intended to be the live supporting band for Hanna’s solo project “Julie Ruin,” but the band took on a life of it’s own and they began writing their own original material. On their self-titled debut the band used organs, samplers, turntables, drum machines, and guitars to create music that was “Electronic” based but featured the feminist political lyrics Bikini Kill were known for, and Kathleen Hanna’s raucous vocals were as strong as ever. This album revolutionized both “Punk” and “Electronic” music, two genres that couldn’t be more opposite from each other. This album is proof that political music can also be catchy and melodic. Happy Anniversary.

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Track Review: Maryze – Bad Bad Dream (feat. Mouth Breather & Forever Next Door)

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Montreal-based R&B artist Maryze has had quite the year. Her debut E.P. Like Moons was well-received and garnered much attention, and following her tour across the U.S. and Canada, her following continues to grow. Much of the Pop/R&B world feels a bit oversaturated at times with countless artists recycling the same clichés and predictable styles, but there are those who innovate, and Maryze is one of those artists. Whether she’s delivering her beautifully soulful vocals over a myriad of musical styles such as R&B, Hip Hop, and Electronic Music, writing thought-provoking content that allows you to look inward and search for self-acceptance, or incorporating French representing her bilingualism, she never fails to display her versatility. As colorful as her music has been thus far, it feels as if there’s always been a darker side just waiting to come out, and now on her new single “Bad Bad Dream,” that darker side is front and center. Produced by Toronto’s “Mouth Breather,” and also featuring a spoken word verse from British artist “Forever Next Door,” “Bad Bad Dream” is a dark yet fun banger that speaks on the terrors of sleep paralysis, and it’s cleverly disguised as a song about a toxic love interest. The song deals with darker subject matter yes, but it’s also not afraid to be playful with it’s bouncy Halloween-like production and sexy vocals. On the surface it can be a fun track to add to your Halloween playlist, but if you delve deeper into the lyrics you’ll find Maryze acknowledging her sleep paralysis and embracing it. She’s making light of it to the point where it’s almost as if she welcomes it. Does she hate it? Does she love it? Does she hate it and love it? Sleep paralysis is a subject that’s seldom explored in Halloween-themed music, and it’s a lot more terrifying than vampires and zombies, but don’t let that scare you off, because this song is immensely catchy with a hook that will stick in your head for days, proving that not all spooky music needs to be embedded in doom and gloom. Maryze is having fun with the darkness, and it’s refreshing.

Written By: Steven Sandoval

Date: 10/25/19