Album Review: Alice Merton Is Passing You “Mint”
What is so exciting about Alice Merton’s debut LP, Mint, is that she truly is rising as “The Next Big Star.” Her following is growing, in part, because she turns self-discovery into a pop jam. Like Mint, she is trying to clarify any misconception that youth are unambitious, unaware, and unloving. Instead, we shine as the total opposite, and her songs are about exploring your greatness in less than good situations.
As a woman that started her own label to combat “nay-sayers,” Merton’s Mint feels like a progressing record for a person realizing she is strong. “Learn To Live,” “Trouble In Paradise,” “Lash Out,” and “Grudge” are the reflections of someone seeing that not everyone wants to be your friend or will step aside for you to achieve your vision. Some people really do want to cause harm, but Alice Merton has too many dreams to dwell on their motives. From “No Roots” to “Homesick,” she places longing and determination as central, clashing emotions for anyone learning that building yourself means letting go of others. At times, even those closest to your heart cannot go far into your dreams.
Merton’s voice is a powerhouse range that makes a yelp of emotional pain feels easy, which is why her longing lyrics stand out. “Kids,” “Honeymoon Heartbreak,” and “Funny Business” are filled with clapping hooks, frolicked guitar melodies, and steamed rhythms that symbolize someone looking to settle into life’s natural instability. Her album should be called “Mist” with how beats seems to billow forward like neon clouds fogging with feelings. She has a distinct way of making tracks that are colorfully dark to blend the saccharine nature of pop with sentiments of bitter betrayal or souring self-doubt. With the rise of Billie Eilish and Ella Mai, Alice Merton is delivering the verses and edged sonics that attract listeners to turn these different artists into singular powers.
You will not find anyone that sounds like Alice Merton. Even her capacity to pump her vocals with sentiment alters her range to pace with fantastical and dramatic precision. Yet, her songs are made to be blasted on the radio as you ride and confide with friends on “the person” that crossed you. Such a dynamic is clearing and feels enlightening to both the ears and mind on how to love yourself enough to surpass haters. To Buy Alice Merton’s Mint On January 18 Click Here.
