Randy
Toronto-based alt-pop singer-songwriter Maya Malka recently dropped her new single, “Honey,” a track from her debut album, Congratulations, via Garment District Records/Fontana North.
Maya explains, “‘Honey’ is the calm before the storm. Probably the most lighthearted on the album, and one of the only songs with a positive twist, ‘Honey’ hints at the issues that the rest of the album tackles without yet understanding the darkness that lies ahead.”
“Honey” follows on the heels of Maya’s prior singles, “Hypocrite” and “Seriously?” which were featured in elite outlets. Produced and partially recorded with LIkeminds in Los Angeles, “Honey” was mastered by Tess Greenham.
Maya first arrived on the music scene with her band Motel Raphael. Along with performing on Parliament Hill for Canada’s official 150th birthday celebration, Motel Raphael played at Osheaga and SXSW and shared the stage with Tegan and Sara.
With the onset of the pandemic, Maya unveiled her solo project, releasing her first single, “Hostage,” which received rotation on Virgin Radio, CBC, and KiSS. In addition, Maya writes jingles for commercials and performs voice acting.
Witnessed by her compelling songwriting, Maya holds nothing back, revealing the sounds of victory and healing, having come out the other side of an abusive relationship. With her brutally honest lyrics dressed up in glossy pop production and her knack for writing a catchy melody, Maya is a tour de force.
“Honey” rolls out on low-slung tones, oozing delicious pop tendrils. When the rhythm enters, the tune takes on alluring leitmotifs, shimmering and coruscating with shiny textures. Maya’s velvety, evocative vocals imbue the lyrics with her desire for affection.
The feel and flow of the harmonics infuse the tune with sparkling colors and a luscious, swaying beat, complementing Maya’s crème de la crème voice.
In addition to “Honey,” entry points on the album include “Seriously?,” featuring darker washes of electro-pop flavors atop a catchy, mid-tempo rhythm. A personal favorite, “Hypocrite” conjures up suggestions of Liz Phair crossed with Avril Lavigne, brimming with pulsating tints of alt-rock and alt-pop. Maya struts the range of her alluring voice on “Hypocrite.”
The rumbling, syncopated rhythm of “Untouchable” gives the tune potent, shadowy surfaces that contrast against Maya’s redolent timbres, imbuing the lyrics with haunting aromas.
“Goodbye” travels on tip-toeing surfaces, percolating with shiny accents. On the chorus, Maya’s vocals offer charming nuances, at once subtle and lusciously barbed.
Brimming with scrumptious pop flavors, tantalizing rhythms, and the sumptuous voice of Maya Malkin, Congratulations hits the sweet spot.
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