EP Review: mxmtoon - 'dusk'

Teaming up with an array of talented female artists to explore themes of isolation and self-empowerment, mxmtoon returns with new EP ‘dusk’, the stunning companion piece to previous release ‘dawn’.

There is a serene kind of beauty to ‘dusk’ that runs through its shimmering melody patterns and sophisticated lyricism. Framed by ‘bon iver’ and ‘first’ – two tracks that vouch for mxmtoon’s ability to craft astoundingly intimate soundscapes - the EP captures her evolution as an artist. Where ‘dawn’ was sunny and upbeat, ‘dusk’ is more muted. An elegant production blends Maia’s trademark emotive sound with smooth beats and stripped back guitars, giving the EP a more mature feel. You could say it’s the start of a new chapter. “one thing i’ve found myself stewing on throughout the course of this year specifically, has been the idea of new beginnings, and trying to remind myself that you can always start new stories despite the dark,” Maia says about the EP. “’dusk’ is meant to serve as a reminder that life is cyclical.” Standout track, and anthem for introverts, ‘wallflower’ reflects on the changing reality that comes with a growing audience and the first taste of “fame”. Skating on delicate piano lines, mxmtoon’s vocals are soft, almost a little shy, as she sings: “I don’t wanna stand out. No one told me when I started, now I’m wishing I could hide.” But of course, those are only snapshots of fleeting moments of insecurity. Talking about the track, she explains: “i wouldn’t change a thing in how my life has happened, but there are days where i crave backing into a wall and fading away as i watch the world go by.“ 

‘dusk’ perfectly complements ‘dawn’’s swirling melodies and golden soundscapes, proving that mxmtoon’s brand of pop is multidimensional. Talking more about the record, she adds: “i find comfort in the idea that despite the chaos and strife we experience in our daily lives, there is always the opportunity to begin again. even in darkness we have the capacity to strive forward, sadness is just as much a part of living as happiness is. i hope that people can listen to these songs on this EP and find comfort in the knowledge that not everything will go smoothly, but how you rise to the occasion and learn from what you’ve encountered is the important part.”

Words by Laura Freyaldenhoven

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mxmtoon · dusk