Mxmtoon (aka Maia) is a Chinese-American singer-songwriter that hails from Oakland, California. She became interested in music at a young age, learning classical cello and trumpet, later going on to become the vocalist of the school’s rock band. She began playing the guitar in sixth grade, leading to a lifelong love of stringed instrumentation. She soon picked up the ukelele and began posting songs to Youtube, quickly developing a devoted fanbase. She is often compared to Fiona Apple and PJ Harvey, but she also integrates elements of anti-folk similar to the Moldy Peaches and Frankie Cosmos. the masquerade is her debut studio album, lo-fi pop in the relatable twee tradition updated for the age of the internet celebrity.  “prom dress”  is post-CRJ sophisti-pop, neatly arranged instrumentation and confessional lyrics. “blame game” is summery strings and fingersnap percussion, “dream of you” is acoustic twang and delicate keys. The second disc includes acoustic takes on all 10 tracks, giving a deeper insight into her songwriting process.

• 5th anniversary edition
• transparent electric blue colored double vinyl pressing
• 2nd disc includes acoustic versions of all 10 album tracks
• limited edition
• original release year: 2019
• music label: AWAL Recordings 2024

reviewed by CLUB PENGUIN 11/2019