Built around an unquestionably dark, alt-pop sound but also unmistakably – and crucially – seasoned with liberal helpings of electronica, R&B, soca and house, the debut single from Black Rainbow Collective songstress and emerging Tāmaki Makaurau artist MxDicey is a tune like no other.
Marking the arrival of an exciting new voice in Aotearoa’s independent music landscape, MxDicey has crafted a distinctive sound, with left-of-centre components blended with shiny pop sensibilities and a unique tension-building song structure on single number one.
Channeling the likes of Bjork, Caribou, FKA Twigs, and Jamie xx all at the same time is no mean feat. And considering this is their debut single (and they made the whole thing almost entirely by themselves), it feels remarkably accomplished.
Whilst undeniably broody and actually rather spooky feeling, the singer’s vibrant Caribbean influences shine brightly through with bursts of steel pan (played by her Father, no less) and tropical rhythms that permeate throughout. We’re told the song was “inspired by a true crime obsession, and a family-rooted sound” – that much is undeniable.
With the giddy light of life pulsating through as well as the aforementioned darkness (which feels rather fitting for a song entitled Sinister Vibe,) this one is a real sonic chameleon.
The release of the single is being commemorated with a special launch party at Auckland’s iconic Dead Witch, upstairs at the Ding Dong Lounge and headlined by MxDicey with support from Larsen James, gitanjali, Amelia Kae-Ryder, and Slitopia, fresh from their US tour. Get your tickets to that here.
Move over Lorde, there’s a new Kiwi alt-pop ruler in the house. We can’t wait to hear what comes next. Take a listen to “Sinister Vibe” below.
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Written by Kinda Grizzly
