REVIEW: mxmtoon embraces dance pop on her remarkable new album 'rising'
Image: Brett Warren
The term ‘bedroom pop star’ was once code for low quality, badly produced indie music for an audience that never went further than the artist’s immediate family and social circle. In the last few years, first thanks to improving technology and then because of covid, making music in your bedroom has become almost commonplace with it now being indistinguishable from music made in a professional studio.
Oakland, California native mxmtoon (real name Maia) is an artist that lead the charge that saw bedroom pop stars make a massive impact on pop music. She started uploading music to YouTube in the early 2010s, aged just 13, writing and recording her songs in the guest bedroom in her parents’ house. Initially keeping it a secret from her family and friends, her music quickly became popular not just with music fans but also attracting attention from the music industry and media and she was soon gaining streaming figures in the tens of millions.
In the beginning, her music was gentle, stripped back indie with a focus on her beloved ukulele. Lyrically, it was honest, direct from her heart tales of her life and the traumas of growing up. Her first single ‘1-800-DATEME’ is about being single and alone on Valentine’s Day and her 2019 hit ‘prom dress’, which was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, is a heartbreaking look at being the outsider in high school and the sense of missing out on the traditional high school experiences as a result.
Today, mxmtoon releases her new album rising and it sees her move her music into a whole new stratosphere. Embracing a solid electronic pop sound, she has traded the ukulele for driving beats and acoustic vibes for dancefloor ready gems. That’s not to say mxmtoon has suddenly become a brand new, unrecognisable artist. There is still an earthy, organic feel to her music and she remains true to openly and authentically exploring her life experiences in her lyrics.
The album has an interesting running order, with first single ‘mona lisa’ opening things up. Sonically, it is the most in tune with her previous work, with a prominent ukulele opener and a gentle feel. By the time we get to the album closer, and latest single, ‘coming of age’ you are about as far as you can get musically from ‘mona lisa’. With a driving beat and a glistening, harder pop sound, lyrically it solidifies the fact that rising is the birth of a whole new mxmtoon “You say I’ve changed….the old me was okay / But I think it’s time for something new”. It is a clever twist to open with the old and gradually introduces the listening to the new before ending with a bang - an unapologetic this is me: ‘It’s time to let the curtains close / This ain't a coming of age anymore / So let the crеdits roll.’
Second single from the album ‘sad disco’ follows a similar upbeat path. A thumping disco and synth track that name checks ABBA, it spins along at a glorious pace with some delicious melodies and a soundscape that is constantly changing. ‘dance’ is another album highlight with a full-bodied, lush, swirling disco pop sound which subverts a familiar children’s song as an encouragement to find solace on the dancefloor: ‘If you’re lonely and you know it / Then clap your hands and show it / You can dance dance dance with me’
‘scales’ is another powerful electropop track but it takes on a more experimental, almost trancey feel incorporating everything from music box tinkles to electric guitars riffs. It is an absolute blast to experience.
rising is in essence a pop record, but there are plenty of moments where mxmtoon shifts gear. ‘frown’ is a summery, eclectic track which trades on hip hop, pop, rap and a bit of reggae. Lyrically is sends a message that things will eventually work out and in the meantime it is okay to be sad. “In time my scars will fade / The look that’s on my face is temporarily upside down / It’s okay to frown’. ‘florida’ is a beautiful, ethereal lush track that laments the passing of time, while ‘dizzy’ is a gentle guitar ballad that explores the sensation of turning 21 but feeling far older thanks to your life experiences: ‘Changing makes me afraid / I would give anything to feel my age'
mxmtoon has always been an artist that has created beautiful, immersive art. rising shows an artist that is changing, growing and exploring while still honouring her roots, and perhaps most importantly, creating the best music of her career. It is a remarkable album both musically and lyrically. Pop fans will quickly fall in love with the expertly created dance tracks, while there is enough musical versatility for anyone to find their sweet spot. And those looking for inspirational words, or just the opportunity to wallow, mxmtoon has a talent for authentic storytelling and much of her lyrical content stands up as poetry in its own right.
rising is a joy from beginning to end and should go down as one of the finest albums of 2022. She may have started in her bedroom, but mxmtoon has built an impressive career out of it and is proving she has the talent and creativity to go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in music. Still only 21, mainstream crossover chart success is surely the next logical wall mxmtoon will break through and we can’t wait to see it
rising is out now. You can buy and stream here.
Listen to our podcast with mxmtoon here.
To keep up with all things mxmtoon you can follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter.
Australia and New Zealand tour dates - tickets on sale now
4th October – Recital Centre, Melbourne
6th October – Factory, Sydney
9th October – Triffid, Brisbane
11th October – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
