reviewed by Elena Gritzan
It’s almost hard to believe that Mozart’s Sister’s debut album was only released this week. She’s been intensely on my radar since the appearance of her first three-song EP a few years ago. While a previously released song that shares her project’s name explored the idea of always feeling second fiddle, her sound has always been powerful. Her voice is expansive and powerful, her songs full of witty lyrics and sharp synth hooks. If there was ever any doubt that Mozart’s Sister comes second place to no one, it’s entirely disappeared with the release of Being.
A couple of previously released songs have emerged re-recorded – “Don’t Leave it To Me” and “Chained Together” – but all of the newer songs show how her song-writing ability has gotten even better over time. There’s lyrics about having nothing to rely on but your own drive and ambition, the feeling that you’re meant to end your days alone, and that it’s entirely okay to cry some salty tears once in a while.
The stand-out, though, is certainly “Bow a Kiss”, written about men that make her feel uncomfortable walking down the street while taking into account their perspective. The combination of the visceral, almost sexual, bass line and the emotional guitar melody is so good that the five minutes and forty seconds of the song pass by in what feels like two.
The small details that fill the space between layers of synth hooks keep it feeling like a discovery each time you take a whirl through the songs. The album begins with a clock ticking. The third song has a possible “Personal Jesus” reference. “My House is Wild” featured a small sound that could pass as a robot laughing.
When it comes down to it, though, her forceful alto – and the nuanced way she nails her vocal delivery – is the strongest and most memorable part of the album. There’s absolutely no hesitation as she belts her way through standard pop choruses and quirkier inflected verses.
The chorus of the first song states that “you can’t have a good thing without a bad thing.” While this is generally true about life and emotions in general, I’d venture to say that the album itself disproves this as a thesis. Being is definitely a good thing, without a bad song in sight.
Top Tracks: “Bow a Kiss”, “My House is Wild”, “Enjoy”
Rating: Proud Hoot (Really Good) + *swoop*
