We Speak Music
Maur Kii Drops New EP “MAURNB: THE YEAR WAS”
View Park Records’ Maur Kii has had a busy 2024. He kicked off the year with an album, BIRTHDAY PACK: WELCOME TO 7. The music sensation is now back to close out the year with a new EP, MAURNB: THE YEAR WAS. The six-track EP is R&B-focused, borrowing from various eras and subgenres of R&B. Maur Kii cleverly and strategically arranged the songs on the EP to tell a story and its parts. The overall story is based off an interaction between Maur Kii and a woman.
The EP opens with the track, “STREETS.” The song is a chill, sleek record that has a modern R&B sound. The song depicts the initial interaction between Maur Kii and the women that is the subject of the EP’s story. Track two, “4 THE WEEKEND,” continues with the vibe of the previous record, but incorporates a more Hip-Hop/Rap sound. The track features renowned music artist Wontel. The song discusses Maur Kii courting the female love interest and his admiration for how hard-working the woman is. The next song, “NAKED,” has a unique arrangement and an eclectic beat yet still brandishes Maur Kii’s captivating R&B sound. The record dives into the internal conflict that the woman is feeling towards her new love interest, Maur Kii, and her current significant other. The end of the record marks the end of her current relationship.
The EP moves onto “DEEPER.” “DEEPER” goes deep into the lovemaking. It is a sensual, sultry record that touches upon the love/lust. The song features rising star Afterdrk (and appropriately so, given the topic of the song and the artist’s name). “OPTIONS,” the penultimate song, is up next. “OPTIONS” is a song that served as a lead single for the EP; however, Maur Kii altered the EP version of the song a bit. “OPTIONS,” on the EP, has an intro. The track has a swaggy vibe yet is a vulnerable piece. The song features budding music artist Randy White. The song is about how Maur Kii has options and him being honest to the woman, letting her know what she’s getting into. The track provides an intricate and intimate discussion about indecision, communication, and other topics that deal with love and relationships. The EP ends with the story’s end. “WHO CRIES IN A MAYBACH?” is a wavy record with dark tones. The romance and honeymoon phase seem to have faded. The song tries to reckon how the fun and extravagance weren’t enough to make the woman happy and the relationship last.
MAURNB: THE YEAR WAS is a terrific body of work from top to bottom – from the storytelling to the vocals to the production. The EP is perfect for all listeners, but especially great for fans of PARTYNEXTDOOR, Travis Scott, and Fridayy. MAURNB: THE YEAR WAS demonstrates why the year was Maur Kii’s.
Follow Maur Kii on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musiciskii.
This review was made possible by SubmitHub.
Etherdene’s ‘Forsaker’ is a revelation in both sound and sentiment. The track marks a new chapter in her career, blending the vulnerability of heartbreak with the resilience of moving on, all wrapped in an electrifying package of synth-pop and indie-pop. The result is a song that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, a cathartic journey that encourages listeners to let go and rise above their challenges.
At the heart of ‘Forsaker’ is Etherdene’s exploration of emotional struggle and the painful yet liberating act of letting go. Drawing from her own experiences with the end of a professional partnership, Etherdene’s lyrics are a raw and powerful expression of inner conflict. The line, “Brand new member in the club of quitters, the uniform compliments my eyes,” encapsulates the complex emotions of giving up, flipping the narrative on its head to reveal the strength in choosing to walk away.
‘Forsaker’ is a triumph. Etherdene’s decision to incorporate synth bass arps brings an air of 80s nostalgia while keeping the track fresh and forward-thinking. The electric guitar work from Cory Clark adds a layer of dynamism to the song, complementing its mood perfectly. However, it’s the drums – played by Warren van Wyk – that truly elevate the track, infusing it with energy and warmth that feels almost magical.
What sets ‘Forsaker’ apart is its empowering message. Etherdene isn’t merely recounting a painful experience; she’s showing us the strength that comes from letting go of something that no longer serves you. It’s a message of courage and self-love, encouraging listeners to prioritize their emotional well-being over the fear of walking away from something that seems promising but ultimately isn’t right.
‘Forsaker’ is yet another example of Etherdene’s impressive versatility as an artist. From her early days in the Afrikaans band Kaktus to her current solo career, she has continually pushed the boundaries of what indie-pop can be. With ‘Forsaker’, she’s taken an emotional experience and turned it into a musical triumph that’s as empowering as it is catchy. This track is bound to resonate with anyone who’s ever had to make the difficult decision to walk away – and Etherdene’s ability to capture that moment in song is nothing short of remarkable.
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