EP REVIEW - ‘Not For Me’ the debut EP from Mouk.
Independent Melbourne artist Mouk has written, recorded and released a debut EP that is sure to have fans of the Melbourne indie rock scene excited and intrigued. This five track EP is an extremely encouraging first step for an act who develops their unique voice through deeply emotive storytelling.
The ‘Not for me’ EP begins with Mouk’s first completed song ‘Lemon Lime & Bitters’, a soft and glittery song that explains the sweet and sour experiences of a past relationship. The track slowly progresses with flashier guitars and ad libs but still maintains the focus on her vocals. The guitars and percussion really take a backseat throughout this track to let her unique voice take centrestage, especially at the end where the song progresses to its highest point. From the beginning, this track shows a real confidence in music that is being released here.
The story continues with the track ‘Ready to Lose,’ the only single that was released prior to this EP. With the vocals again taking centrestage, there is a more playful tone with this track, juxtaposing ‘Lemon Lime and Bitters’ as Mouk describes the thrill of the chase with a new love. The song is sprinkled with laughter and excitement that Mouk tonally can demonstrate through her voice, showing the range of the music being shown.
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‘Simple’ continues the diverse path that this EP is taking with a more acoustic track that describes the ways that relationships fall out of love. The simplicity of this track allows Mouk’s voice to be its best for the EP. The first half of this track again lyrically and tonally demonstrates the different emotions that Mouk portrays. There is a distain or regret in Mouk’s voice as the chorus reappears with “This Could be Simple” that works really well. You could be forgiven for believing the song would continue in this slow tempo, however the track softly transitions into a bravado of voices backing up the chorus with laughter and cheers that lifts till the end of the song, proving the song to be a real highlight of the EP.
‘Red’ the penultimate track on this EP plays like a soundtrack for a horror film, in a good way. This song deals with seeing red in a relationship and fighting with your anger. Musically we see this fight for the first time, Mouk’s vocals are coming up against louder more vibrant sounds. Coming from the prickly piano and ad lib screams the sound fitted nicely and conveyed the horrors that can go on in someone’s mind effectively.
‘Focus’ is an upbeat ending to the debut EP, a call to action for the act as they try to find their voice in the music industry. Mouk’s voice again on this track has to combat with the heaver instrumentals, allowing the inflections of the voice on this track to go over more smoothly. The voice of Mouk also has to combat with the higher tempo of this song which may not blend as well with the vocal style of the act, but is a much appreciated instrumental shift. There is much more promise in songs such as ‘Simple’ where the vocals are not fluctuating as much being at the forefront of the track. However, it is great that the act is wiling to branch out and diversify this sound, especially as a new act, you can only find your voice by not being afraid like Mouk has been with this debut EP.
An act that shows great potential, be sure to check out the debut EP ‘Not for Me’ from Mouk on all platforms.
