Mörmaid has already given us plenty to admire: her mystique, her unique persona, and most importantly, her music, which is simultaneously captivating, mesmerizing, and a bit frightening. With the upcoming release of her debut album, Mörmaid is set to raise the bar in the global indie music scene. Titled “Pearlescent Dark,” this album blends various genres and emotional states in a unique way. The record is filled with compelling electro pop that either instantly gets you moving to the beat or plunges you into an unsettling atmosphere. It’s hard to describe, but this album is like a dream that leads nowhere, yet you feel like discussing it with your therapist. Mörmaid skillfully plays with contrasts, creating music that never leaves you indifferent. I had the chance to listen to the album before its release, and I was both enchanted and amazed.

photo by TEKLA LOU

It’s worth starting with how Mörmaid, having been given free rein, boldly decided to implement all her ideas here and now, which is palpable throughout the album. Her ethereal aesthetic fascinates me, and the album itself plays with dynamics – alternating between lingering monotony, diving into dark techno, and then completely transitioning into oceanic ambient sounds. Mörmaid seems to intentionally keep you off-balance, never allowing you to settle into a groove, but rather audaciously tossing you from one side to the other. This might not be comfortable for everyone, but Mörmaid doesn’t look back; she moves forward, not waiting for anyone to catch up…

Right from the first track “Sea Lady,” you’ll instantly feel a cosmic and otherworldly influence on your emotions. Mörmaid, like a siren, calls you into her deep and enchanting realm. Dreamy pads set the mood of an underwater kingdom or the vast expanse of deep space. It felt as though I had succumbed to the siren’s sweet voice and was pulled into the album “Pearlescent Dark,” where a surprise awaited me on “Wet Summer.” The energetic electro beats hit their mark, creating a perfect dance atmosphere. Yet, even here, Mörmaid plays with contrasts, offering a lush vocal line that fractures into various voices. It sounds complex and delightful.

I like that the album doesn’t stick to one sound. It’s always changing, always unique, and always tinged with a slight unease. In “I’m Trying,” with its vivid beats and flawless vocals by Mörmaid, you’re left wondering: is this world beautiful, or is it more anxious? As you continue to sink deeper into the cosmos of electro-pop sound with complex rhythmic patterns and impeccable production, there’s a tenderness in “Where Else?” This is one of my favorite tracks, sounding timeless and spaceless. It’s the perfect theme not only for the modern world but also for a fictional neon universe.

photo by TEKLA LOU

As the album nears its conclusion, the sound becomes more dramatic. What started with ease and flawless delicacy in “Baby” turns into its complete opposite. From the first beat of the sharp rhythm and the seemingly reversed vocals, there’s a feeling of something otherworldly. “Baby” is one of the most mysterious and enigmatic tracks, merging two elements: lightness and anxiety, joy and pain. It’s a perfect piece of art, multifaceted, revealing Mörmaid as an artist ready to unveil all her secrets and share her worldview. The final track, “Manicfest,” concludes the album on a high note, leaving a sweet aftertaste sprinkled with electricity after listening.

In “Pearlescent Dark,” Mörmaid fully unfolds her stylish sound and desire to move beyond known genres, creating a hypnotic auditory experience. The album articulates a theme of duality evident in the arrangements, Mörmaid’s vocals, and the flow of energy between tracks. Comparing the first track, “Sea Lady,” with the final “Manicfest,” it feels as though a whole lifetime and more adventures have passed, although the total duration of the album is just over half an hour. What started with the gentle voice of a nymph culminates in a flawless neon electro pop sound, vibrant vocals, and stunning harmonies. Absolute delight!

Mörmaid’s forthcoming album, “Pearlescent Dark,” transcends mere musical enjoyment, offering an oceanic voyage that probes the essence of our existence and the complexities of the human soul. This genre-defying collection serves as a mirror reflecting our internal and external worlds, challenging listeners to confront the dualities of life – a theme deeply embedded in the album’s evocative title. Its enduring relevance position it as a seminal release for 2024. Be on the lookout for its release on May 23rd! Don’t miss it.

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*This review was made possible by SubmitHub