Makeup – Calm Down, It’s Not Over Yet (2023)
In 2021, singer-songwriter Makeup took a sizeable hiatus from releasing music until early 2023 when he landed on international radars with the single ‘All My Friends Are High’. Truthfully, the UK artist made it to our virtual desk with 2020’s ‘Pretty Boys and Broken Hearts’ but it was with his latest releases that Makeup moved from an interesting musician to one of our firm favourites. We’re not alone in our adoration of the London-based rocker as he receives critical acclaim from international blogs, airtime on global radio stations, and various playlist adds. Join us as we dive into the latest addition to Makeup’s discography.
Following the well-received singles ‘All My Friends Are High’ and ‘21st Century Blues’, Makeup releases his debut four-track EP, Calm Down, It’s Not Over Yet. Keeping to his DIY ethic of music production, Calm Down, It’s Not Over Yet is the result of several years of writing, re-writing, recording and self-producing four intriguing tracks. Known for his exploration of the complexities and intricacies of human existence, Makeup’s work is profound and thought-provoking but also mellifluously soothing. The placement of songs on an album can make or break an artist, but Makeup hit the nail on the head to carry you along a rollercoaster of emotion in Calm Down, It’s Not Over Yet. From the opening track ‘It’s Over’ to the final song ‘Smile’, the flow from despair and melancholy to sincere tranquillity is perfectly executed
“This is my debut EP. It is four songs exploring the anger, grief and, finally, acceptance that comes with being told the world might end before you’re able to find out who you’ll grow up to be.” – Makeup on Calm Down, It’s Not Over Yet
For me, Makeup will always lie alongside My Chemical Romance with his rock-inspired dramatics and natural penchant for theatrics. ‘It’s Over’ exudes a pitiful sense of grief with the simplistic, barebones starkness; however, he picks up the pace with ‘All My Friends Are High’. Dynamic drums back scorching guitars in a mellifluous flow of sound that captures your soul in an effortless way. The EP continues with ‘21st Century Blues’ which places Makeup in a hard-hitting heavier tone, then a slide out with the toe-tapping folk-tinged track ‘Smile’ leaves you, well, smiling as everything ends.
As I mentioned, Makeup tips his hat at My Chemical Romance with a Gerard Way flair; however, his eloquent dexterity highlights vocal ranges that match and possibly transcend the off-kilter obscurity of Way. For instance, in ‘21st Century Blues’, he showcases his power and bold execution hitting Freddie Mercury highs before dropping to a tender tenor.
So, overall, what do I think of Calm Down, It’s Not Over Yet? In a word: sublime. From the mind of a true artist, the four-track EP is a moving masterpiece to be savoured by everyone.
For more from Makeup, check out his Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
