A cohesive yet varied selection of pop
MONO has a lot to unpack, sonically, literally and figuratively. This project’s strongest asset would certainly be its versatility, with each track providing a fresh and different take on pop music, a new way to express similar thoughts. While the production and instrumentals hit exceptionally hard, K.Flay’s vocals relentlessly compete for the spotlight. They are abrasive at times, and yet remain passionate throughout it all.
Right off the bat, “Are You Serious?” punches listeners in the face with a tightly produced bass line coupled with crisp vocals that get straight to the point. This song is alarming in the way that it certainly wakes the listener up, but at the same time nothing is too overpowering to the point in which it might be too much. “Are You Serious?” possesses an almost experimental rap-like quality similar to the Atlanta based duo EARTHGANG. K.Flay switches between spoken cadences and sung hooks throughout the track, a revitalizing approach to an introductory piece.
Going back to her utilization of versatility, K.Flay heavily slows things down with “Hustler,” a piano ballad revolving around themes of heartbreak. This piece is sure to target any listener’s soft spot along with the next track “Spaghetti,” featuring New York based indie rock band Kid Sistr. This track is perhaps one of the most interesting and thought provoking on the album due to its clever qualities, catchy melodies and duality of emotion. The lyrics are comical yet slightly melancholy, the perfect combination of a hit song. “Spaghetti” is catchy in the sense that it is repetitive, but it is free flowing and beautiful at the same time.
Overall, K.Flay does a great job of expressing her many emotions through a plethora of creative methods. It is incredible to see how many facets MONO presents to the listener, how many angles are drawn to construct a wholesome, satisfying listening experience. The production is flawless of course, with a modern studio polish that has only gotten better throughout the years. MONO is certainly an album worth listening to, a tribute to K.Flay’s undeniable confidence as an artist and human alike.
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