Album Review | K.Flay - 'MONO'
MONO stands as an intense, furious, magnetic, and truthful album that is worthy of repeated listens
K.Flay's latest album, MONO, is a whirlwind journey through the intricate corridors of her mind. Co-produced by K.Flay herself and executive produced by Paul Meany (known for his work with Twenty One Pilots and Shania Twain), she proves once again that her music is a vehicle for raw, unfiltered expression.
Fuelled by her recent battle with loss of hearing in her right ear, MONO is an exploration of life’s frustrations on both a personal and public level. Full of unapologetic, introspective lyricism and a punchy blend of rap, riffs and rock, MONO takes listeners on a sonic rollercoaster ride through K.Flays thoughts.
The album kicks off with ‘Are You Serious?’ a brief yet impactful opener that immediately sets the tone for the journey ahead. It's a punchy, in-your-face track that serves as an introduction to the thought-provoking themes across the album as K.Flay wastes no time diving straight into addressing the US health system.
Following this, we encounter ‘Raw Raw,’ the album's first single, which reflects on K.Flay's newfound vulnerability after her hearing loss. There's no letting up on the intensity of K.Flay’s vocals and catchy chorus as we move into the infectious chorus of ‘Punisher’. Gradually creeping in, its a personal favourite on the album as K.Flay delivers her personal reflections with striking impact.
A standout track on the album is ‘Irish Goodbye’, featuring Vic Fuentes of Pierce The Veil. It's a visceral, hard-hitting song that explores the internal struggle between desire and self-preservation. K.Flay's decision to bring in Fuentes’ distinct vocals allow listeners to feel the built-up frustration and urgency in every note — I only wish it was longer.
‘Hustler’ provides a much-needed break in the album's intensity. With lines like "you flew me to London for luncheon," K.Flay showcases her knack for crafting clever and memorable lyrics. It's a moment of enjoyment amidst the album's heavier themes. While ‘Spaghetti,’ featuring Kid Sistr, doesn’t carry the weight of the previous tracks it serves as a fun but somewhat introspective interlude before diving back into the album's depths.
Likewise, 'Bar Soap' delivers a quick and catchy punch, maintaining the album's lively pace and seamlessly transitioning into the brief interlude, 'Watch Me Pt. 1.' With K.Flay's raspy and unapologetic vocals, it serves as a fitting return to the energetic choruses that welcomed us at the album's outset, setting the stage perfectly for 'In America.' The playful delivery of, “No one does it quite like us in America”, stands in stark contrast to the song's weighty themes of fame, guns, and drugs, giving it a tongue-in-cheek charm.
The longest track on the album, ‘Yes I'm Serious,’ serves as a reflection on the album's overarching themes. It showcases K.Flay's rap skills and her journey from anger to self-awareness. While it doesn't neatly package all her feelings as solutions, it offers an honest and raw portrayal of her emotions. It reminds the listener that an album isn't just a tidy conclusion but a means to express and explore a complex mix of emotions.
Following the explosive monologue of ‘Yes I’m Serious’, MONO is brought to a close with the subtle tones of ‘Perfectly Alone’. With the title of the album alluding to embracing solitude, the quiet closing lyrics “And then I was alone / Perfectly / Wonderfully / Awfully / Finally / Alone” is a beautiful nod to embracing this next chapter, if not for the listeners for K.Flay herself.
In conclusion, MONO stands as an intense, furious, magnetic, and truthful album that takes listeners through the complexities of K.Flay's mind and experiences. Despite its darker, twisted soundscape and heavy themes, the album has an enduring quality, making it worthy of repeated listens. It's a powerful addition to K.Flay's discography, showcasing her growth as an artist and highlighting her talent for blending diverse genres seamlessly—an ability that MONO exemplifies at its finest.