Micki XO – Light Me Up (2022)
In an attempt to escape their problems, many people turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking and drugs. The problem of addiction is one that Micki XO understands and addresses with her single ‘Light Me Up’. Between the low vocal tones and the strong bass, this house-pop track highlights the darkness of binging and addiction and the urge to get out of your own head through any means.
While the single draws on her own experiences with unhealthy coping mechanisms, there is a clearly relatable edge to the track. The connection she offers through her music has become a characteristic of her sound as she considers important topics that hit at our darkest times. The experiences she has been through are woven into her music letting you know that you are not alone in battling the demons inside.
‘Light Me Up’ uses deep beats to grab your attention and get your feet tapping to the rhythm. These deep opening beats push you into the melody where a neon pop sound takes over your senses. There is an interesting feeling to the melody as it brings a darkness to neon lights while getting you moving to the rhythm. The strong bass remains throughout the single while a shimmering higher tone slips and slides between the beats. The darkness that has been woven into the melody is a perfect accompaniment to the vocals and the tale of addiction laid out by the lyrics. As the single progresses, there is a heavier house dance movement to the music that takes the spiral of darkness to another level while offering the light at the end of the tunnel.
While the deep beats of the opening tap away at your bones, Micki XO’s vocals reach out through the darkness. Her low vocal tones are like the distant shine of neon lights on a dark night beckoning you closer. Through the opening verse, she brings a tiredness and weariness to the single as you feel the pressure of problems weighing you down. This leads you to the chorus that is packed with unhealthy coping mechanisms that bring a moment of escapism from the weight you are carrying. Her performance carries a great dance flow that is tempered by the darkness of addiction and the spiral that many people fall into. The lyrics wonderfully bring the struggle of unhealthy coping mechanisms to life while urging us to acknowledge they are a problem that you need to overcome.
Micki XO brings a neon shine to the darkness of addiction and unhealthy coping mechanisms with the house-pop vibes of ‘Light Me Up’. The melody has a deep beat that pushes at your senses while the higher levels weave their way between them. The vocal performance has a lower tone as it offers an authentic take on spiralling coping mechanisms.
Find out more about Micki XO on her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
