Go ahead and check the archives folks, we’ve been extolling the virtues of MXMS (Me and My Shadow) for some time now. But their latest single, “After Night,” is the band’s most expansive and versatile track to date. And despite it’s heartbreaking undertones, it just might be their prettiest too.
There’s still plenty of gloom and dark pop that has become the duo’s calling card in “After Night,” but they’re unafraid to lean into the pop side of things and make this an absolutely gorgeous track at various points. Thankfully they’re also very gifted songwriters and offer up enough contrast and complexion to keep things interesting and differentiate the various parts of the song, allowing it to earn all of its moments.
Things start off with some soft cooing from lead singer Ariel Levitan, flanked by electronic pulses and sparse piano keys. Levitan’s breathy and lush vocals recall that of contemporaries like Kwamie Liv or Lana Del Rey. The song’s high point is the final minute, in which it transforms into a rich and expansive soundscape for Levitan’s voice to explore. Intentional or not, the vocals on the outro feel like a homage to The Cranberries late singer Dolores O'Riordan.
Ariel and Jeremy Dawson have been making a name for themselves crafting emotionally vulnerable and provocative songs, but “After Night” showcases a different type of fragility and a more tender side of the band. It’s been an absolute joy to watch them grow and evolve. Whether you’re a Day 1 Diehard fan or have never heard of MXMS before, you’re sure to find something to like in “After Night.”
MXMS - AFTER NIGHT
If you’re looking to hear a stripped-down, live version of “After Night”, well the good people over at Jam In The Van have got you covered. And if you’re just looking to see MXMS live, you’re in luck cause they’re hitting the road to end the year. As always we’ve got the dates and venues for you below:
DEC 06 Brick By Brick San Diego, CA
DEC 07 Club Red Mesa, AZ
DEC 09 3 Kings Tavern Denver Denver, CO
DEC 11 89th Street Oklahoma City, OK
DEC 12 ELYSIUM Austin, TX
DEC 13 The Goat New Orleans, LA
DEC 15 The Drunken Unicorn Atlanta, GA
DEC 16 SoundBar. Orlando, FL
DEC 17 Drunken Horse Pub Fayetteville, NC
DEC 18 Metro Gallery Baltimore, MD
DEC 19 Mohawk Buffalo, NY
DEC 20 Harpos Concert Theatre Detroit, MI
DEC 21 Livewire lounge Chicago, IL
Stream “After Night” by MXMS here: https://www.hive.co/l/mxmsafternight
For more on MXMS visit their Spotify, Soundcloud, and website .