MCK is a new project by Tāmaki Makaurau producer and songwriter Mackenzie Comer. Alongside creating music, she is the founder of the new artist management and development company Lunar which has been building its repertoire of emerging artists over the last couple of years. MCK has recently released her third EP ‘Becoming’.
‘Becoming’ seems to speak on all sides of a relationship, the safeness, the heartbreak, and the healing. Each song explores a new perspective and the journey of what it is like to love.
World Of You changes pace with a ringing piano backing, touching on a first love that never bloomed. This song strikes a chord of nostalgia for those first romances that never went anywhere, and the wondering what-ifs that come after. The song builds in density as it develops with layers of vocals and synth sounds all drenched in reverb. It feels like this reflects the build of emotion that happens in the song too. Finishing on the delicate note it began with just keys and vocals, it feels like the track has ended in acceptance that things have turned out just as they were meant to.
An Honest Mess, features London-based alternative artist Mountain Boy and honestly expresses the awareness that everyone has flaws, and that the way to have a healthy relationship is to be “open to an honest mess”. Mountain Boy brings depth to this song with his lower range and gritty, breathy vocals reminiscent of the likes of Bon Iver.
Tunnel Vision starts with a beautifully simple acoustic guitar and Comer’s airy vocals. The structure of this song is still pop, but the way the story is told is more singer-songwriter. It feels encompassing as she wraps her emotions up in a metaphor about driving too fast. The recording makes it feel like it’s being played live in a cosy, intimate room with people listening closely and the stripped-back sparseness adds to the song, leaving the lyrics in a place where they can be heard.
The contrast between piano and guitar in this EP keeps the songs fresh and different. The delicacy and emotional vulnerability expressed slightly differently with each song could spark tears, a smile, or both. MCK has shared a piece of her heart with the world.
