After releasing their debut album Secondhand Rapture in 2013, indie-pop duo MS MR have made waves and turned heads in the alternative music scene. Noted for their take on sub-genres such as dark wave, electro-house and dream pop, the band – comprising of Lizzy Plapinger (MS) and Max Hershenow (MR) – have established themselves as a captivating twosome. Hailing from New York City, the two friends formed MS MR as an indie act in 2011 and were soon signed to Columbia Records. Their unique debut was met to rave reviews, critical and moderate commercial success.
Last month, the enchanting pair released their highly anticipated sophomore record, How Does It Feel. The records lead single and opening track – ‘Painted’ – is a classic and euphoric dance piece, with Plapinger repeatedly singing “what did you think would happen” with angst and almost to the point that the lyrics lose their meaning. A fascinating opener. The track is easily recognisable, features very obvious disco influences and is a solid choice to kick-start the record, regardless of the slight annoyance in some places of the tracks repetitiveness.
‘Criminals’ is an impressive follow-up: perplexing beats, heavy drums and ghostly verses come together seamlessly to create an ’80s-infused electro track. Already, How Does It Feel is setting itself out to be very similar to the duo’s debut record, yet of a much more mature sound.
Other highlights include the records title track ‘How Does It Feel’, an up-tempo passive-aggressive track which opens its chorus with “How does it feel / with my teeth in your heart”. Plapinger’s crisp vocals play the main part in the sharpness, yet majestic feel of this bewitching melody. Towards the closing on the record, the energy is carried on with ‘Reckless’, a clubbable, house-inspired beat that showcases the duo’s atmospheric song writing at its best, with lines such as “Only when we’re lost / can we find ourselves again”.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhx0IWXUMOA]
Despite the raw emotion and some epic production from Hershenow, it is hard not to feel like something is missing from How Does It Feel. Regardless of their efforts, the records’ ballads such as ‘Tunnels’, ‘Leave Me Alone’ and ‘Cruel’ are somewhat lost. Although not completely hollow, the slower offerings on the record really let MS MR down. Plapinger and Hershenow struggle to capture the spark that originally gained them fans and attention after their debut, leaving How Does It Feel, well, feeling awkwardly very inconsistent.
It is a shame that the record lacks as much depth and in some places is almost half-hearted, but that shouldn’t hide the fact that ultimately, Plapinger and Hershenow are a talented pair. It is a brave move for them both to distance themselves from Secondhand Rapture and allow their creativity to head in a new direction – a big risk, which has surprisingly thrived in some places, yet disappointed in others.
Words by Megan Wilson
@megzybelle