Recommended Tracks: fever dream; quiet motions; 1, 2
Artists You May Like: Clairo, beabadoobee, Conan Gray
As we approach week six in this semi-alternate world, we cannot help but feel some type of way. We are getting used to the wall colors in wherever we are staying, we are learning to live with ourselves. There is no doubt that the days are blending together, which means that there is a need to find new ways to stay positive and motivated. If you could use a little “pick-me-up” right about now, look no further than mxmtoon’s new EP, dawn. Filled with tracks that touch on self-worth and embracing the moments that come your way, it is just the thing we need in a time of such uncertainty.
Kicking off the EP is “fever dream,” an optimistic jam that focuses on living in the moment. When people have a big dream that they wish to fulfill, they only focus on getting through whatever it takes to get there. mxmtoon, though, reminds us that we should never take for granted the smaller moments that help us reach those dreams. She sings, “take your time, enjoy it / every fleeting moment.” By the time the track ends, you will not be able to shake the chorus’s “ah-ooo, ah-ooo” from your head.
Continuing on with messages of positivity are “lessons” and “no faker.” On the light and airy “lessons,” mxmtoon describes ways of letting go. Sometimes, it can be hard to cast away negative thoughts or second-guesses. But, if we just listen to our hearts and trust our instincts, things will work out. If you cannot figure out what your heart wants, though, “no faker” will help you. It is way too easy to let other people’s opinions of who you should be influence how you see yourself, and this is not okay. Who cares what these people think? Embrace the ukulele-driven, upbeat feelings of this track, and do what makes you feel complete.
Nevertheless, there are times when we need other people in our life in order to feel whole. This idea is represented on “1, 2,” where mxmtoon expresses the gratitude that she has for someone special in her life. She sings, “It all makes sense when I’m with you” and “You take the darkest days and fill them up with light.” It is a very simple love song that says everything that a partner would want to hear. For those who want more, “used to you” is another love track on dawn that will remind you how great and confusing it can be when you start to fall for someone. There is always the question of when to tell someone how you feel, especially when you want to say that you love them. Do you come off strong or hold back?
The remaining tracks are about the acceptance of peace and comfort. I have come across many a song that paint bad pictures of being alone; if you are alone, then you are miserable. However, there is a lot of pleasure that can come from these moments of solitude, which is exactly what mxmtoon expresses on “quiet motions.” Being alone means saying or doing whatever you want without worrying about someone leaking your secrets – the walls are your only audience. When you are alone, you are free. But, if you cannot find times to be alone, there are other ways to feel that release. On “almost home,” mxmtoon refers back to a time when she was younger, and her mom told her to relax and fall asleep on a ride home. There is something soothing about the memory, and whenever she feels overwhelmed by the complexities of today, mxmtoon goes back to that moment to escape.
So, for anyone having a tough time going through quarantine, dawn is sure to take away some of your despair. The lyrics are consoling, and the music puts you in a better place. How can you not feel better after listening to mxmtoon’s genial voice, or a track with hand claps and “doo-da-doo” accompaniment? Just sit back, breathe, and try to find a positive amongst all of the negative.
You can stream dawn on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.
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