After a string of singles released over the course of 2025, Copenhagen-based alt-pop duo mikey (comprised of songwriters Maiken Kock Rask & Henrik Koefod Petersen) released their debut EP, first notes. Opening with a soft, synthy piece reminiscent of Billie Eilish’s sound around the release of Don’t Smile At Me – specifically the Khalid featuring Lovely – somewhere I belong begins gently before growing in stature and confidence. Additional lines are introduced, which add texture and depth to the song, but all the while, it retains its distinctive mystique. Never boiling over, it gracefully bubbles throughout, pulsating from start to finish.
On wash away, Maiken’s vocals are joined by Henrik, and as a result, the dynamic shifts noticeably. Ostensibly a duet, the song is full of back and forth between the two singers as well as some subtle but substantial guitar throughout. Like a more subdued Purity Ring, the group feel darker and bleaker on this song. In the outro, the guitar takes centre stage and comes across a bit like Mike Dean on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
a little too late begins with an arpeggiated keyboard line and is swiftly joined by Maiken’s autotuned vocals, which add a cold, detached approach to proceedings. But maybe that’s a necessity. Maiken sings “I don’t care” repeatedly during the song, and it almost feels like she’s trying to convince herself that this is the case. Like Caroline Polachek, performing a sleepy, sedated cover of a Crystal Castles song, it’s dreamy, atmospheric and ominous feeling. The most catchy composition so far, a little too late, feels like it could be performed on festival stages worldwide to a sea of appreciative, emotionally volatile fans.
on another note concludes the EP with a delicate, hazy, ethereal journey. At just over 2 minutes long, it’s not a long one (it’s the shortest song here), but it feels like drifting off to sleep with the wind in your hair and not a care in the world and is a lovely way to round off the.
A mesmerising little EP, first notes blooms slowly, never biting off more than it can chew. A tense, reserved piece of work, we can imagine it carving out a place in the hearts of many and nestling there for a long, long time.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
