Album review: Mothica – Kissing Death

The boldest move here is The Reaper, which has all the hallmarks of a frothy, summery pop song with an almost satirical twist. McKenzie may portray death as a love story, but it is hardly a dream – “I don’t care if he thinks my life is expendable / At least it’s dependable” – deftly twisting a toxic cliché out of shape. Equally captivating, but for entirely different reasons, is Doomed, a heartbreaking ballad that so unflinchingly tells the origin story of McKenzie's depression and trauma – ““On Wednesday I was in church praying that I would find a friend. If I had known what he would do, I would never have gone in.”

Undoubtedly her strongest work, Kissing Death never shouts its meaning out loud, but its uniqueness and authenticity (and hooks) are still incredibly meaningful, perhaps so much so that you wonder why it isn't bigger than it is. It's time the world knew Mothica's name.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: PVRIS, Poppy, Cassyette

Kissing Death will be released on August 23rd via Heavy Heart/Rise.