Mothica, ’Kissing Death’ - Vulnerable and Visually Striking, Album Review:

Mothica’s third album is a world of dark melodies and blazing pop that immerses you into compelling narratives and powerful visual imagery.‘Kissing Death’ is a tale of vulnerability, trauma and the origins of Mothica. She has fearlessly explored difficult topics that make for an album that speaks to you and that sticks with you. 

Not only are the vocals and tracks executed flawlessly but a developing narrative, featuring the Grim Reaper as the love interest further amplifies the visual imagery the album carries, embodying the idea of romanticising death. Opening with ‘The Void’, the ominous soundscape with a driving beat is the first hint of what’s to come.

‘Exit Plan’ comes next with carefully crafted synths and it utilises production and panning to suck you in instantly. This collection of melodies reflects the lyrics, captivating you as you get lost in the track ‘but how do you live, when you don’t wanna’ die anymore?’. This steady beat powers you into an alt-pop chorus.

The first single for the album ‘Doomed’ is a stand out, a letter to Mothica’s younger self, that hits hard. Emotional and moving, the lyrics continue to highlight the vulnerability on the album with stunning examples of high, polished vocals. Haunting in sound and powerfully discussing personal and human experience ‘Doomed’ is easily relatable. 

Sticking with moody riffs, 'Curiosity Killed the Moth’ has softer, dreamy vocals and a cinematic feel. This is further emphasised by yet another aesthetically shot music video.

Effects to create the sound of fluttering wings is proof that everything has been considered down to the finer details - Mothica has well and truly killed it.

An early 2000’s feel, with dynamic backing vocals is showcased in ‘Red’. Followed by ‘The Reaper’, a positively disconcerting sound that has stop-start synths and a steady beat that makes you want to move. 

Nearing the end of the album, it remains consistent and does not stop with infectious instrumentals and eerie and emotive vocals. ‘Oblivion for Two’ further plays into romantic themes. 

Finally, title track ‘Kissing Death’ closes the album. Leaning away from the synths to begin with captivating guitar, it explodes into a layered chorus filled with organs and an intense display of vocals. A final vulnerable track with deep lyrics closes the storyline and the album impressively.

Mothica has clearly pushed herself with ‘Kissing Death’. It is an ambitious body of work that spans 12 expertly crafted, cohesive tracks in both sound and theme. Taking you on a journey through songs that embody the early 2000’s, old Hollywood and cinema, this album is innovative and the addition of the visual imagery is a highlight of ‘Kissing Death’. You find yourself wanting to listen to the album again, to appreciate the lyrics further. It is creatively charged from the beginning to the end. 

It's rare to see an album so considered thematically in all aspects, Mothica has outdone herself with the striking, personal ‘Kissing Death’. 

Make sure to listen to ‘Kissing Death’, out now.