Melanie Martinez released another album, but this time taking a step outside of the “Cry Baby” universe and fully embracing herself to the forefront.
“The EP is much more personal and steps outside of the Cry Baby character box for a moment, which I’ve yet to do. It can be scary to be vulnerable like that in songwriting after only ever writing through a character lens prior.”
Melanie Martinez on stepping outside of the “Cry Baby” character. Interview with American Songwriter.
The After School EP is a collection of demented alt-pop songs. Despite the change in “characters,” the sound is still authentic to what is expected of Martinez. There’s a vary of unconventional melodic and playful tones while still carrying the same complexity and vulnerability in her lyrics.
Martinez fully comes for oppressive system in both the micro and macro levels. For example, in the song “Numbers,” Martinez is speaking against capitalism and how it belittles people to simply numbers within the system. She also gets personal and sings about her love life and the heartbreak that comes with it.
Stand Out Single
Brain & Hearts
Rating
4/5
Qveen Herby
Singer-songwriter Qveen Herby released her ninth EP titled EP 9. This EP follows the same pattern as her previous EPs. There are five songs which are all under twenty minutes. This will be the last of the EP series with the next drop from Qveen Herby being her debut album.
Qveen Herby sticks to what she’s now known for with this album by mixing rap, hip-hop, and R&B.
EP 9, for the most part, beams with positivity as it opens with “Mission,” a song about her triumphs and success over the previous years. It’s then followed by “Chakras,” which is calling for “good vibes only” and protecting one’s energy. It then takes a rough turn as she attempts to address several social issues in America in “Sleepwalker.” It’s weirdly tucked in the middle of her very self-centered album about her successes and seems slightly tone-deaf.
The album ends with “Farewell,” which is a reminder of the end of an era for Qveen Herby, while “Pre Roll” is her moment to bask in her moment and call out the “haters.”
This album is rather light-hearted and not that “deep” or complex. It is an easy listen for background playing.
Stand Out Single
Mission
Rating
3/5
