Review Summary: Crunkcore is saved again.
Maya Malice once again brings crunkcore to the limelight, but this time with her sophomore album. It’s surprising that crunkcore is not as large as scenecore is these days. If you’re not sure of the difference between the two genres, Maya’s YouTube video methodically tears apart scenecore to explain why it’s not scene music. [1] However, there’s no question whether crunkcore is OG scene music. Simply put: scenecore is a newer phase of music, and crunkcore originated from the MySpace era, where the scene started and was propelled in the first place. We live in a time when the Rawring20s is trending, so it’s important to understand the difference between the two genres. Too many kids these days are mistaking scenecore for the original crunky sound of crunkcore, which is a completely different sound. Whereas scenecore is a distorted, glitchy hybrid between nightcore and hyper pop, crunkcore is electro pop and hip-hop with screams.
Maya Malice is one of the few crunkcore artists actively making albums, and collaborating with others to “keep the scene alive”. That’s well and good, but the music itself needs to be good to catch anyone’s attention. While Maya is clearly a Bandlab artist, the distinctly basic synths and patterns used hearken back to MySpace days more than anything. It’s akin to a fever dream, but this one comes with catchy tunes. Chorus after chorus come marching in, sounding influenced by late 90s pop. The Habit has one of the best hooks to sink in skin.
Sanction didn’t need to include so many featured artists for the album to succeed, but the inclusion is welcome. The triple threat from three extra artists brings well needed variety to an otherwise predictable album. Dart Darling brings her party girl attitude, RamberryReagan (an unnamed artist) brings a powerful singing voice in the chorus of Designated Driver. I (of course) bring polished growls, rapping and singing to the final track. The featured artists steal the show in their respective inclusions, giving the album an extra dose of global unity towards crunkcore, and thus a heightened sense of importance.
Sanction is catchier than it has any right to be. Maya Malice stays within a comfortable range with her singing, but she absolutely spanks it. Her uniquely deep voice carries gravity and clarity with every note, reminiscent of Amy Lee. This is crunkcore though, and the moment the music feels settled is when blistering screams come forth from the same voice box. Still, Maya’s music is the electro pop form of crunkcore, utilizing triumphantly loud synth notes in each song, and hammered drums. Maya wants you to dance, and if you don’t dance by the final track, you may be dead.
Crunkcore has come a long way from how it used to be perceived. Whereas most of the pioneers of the genre were seen as obnoxious originally, Maya is the opposite. Maya invites her listeners for a smorgasbord of sounds, judgement free. Everyone is welcome to the table of crunkcore, even *gasps* scenecore lovers. Maya Malice may not be a big name yet, but if this so-called “crunkcore revival” continues to grow, she should be considered as one of the few leaders.
In the end, we have an album that doesn’t stumble often. The melodies are persistently easy on the ears, and the beats continue banging. Maya’s rendition of crunkcore may sound a little basic, but sometimes simplistic is the best route. It’s proved here, with songs having an easy flow that could easily fit on the radio. Maya makes the genre surprisingly accessible and reachable to all types of ears, which seems to be a common theme amidst today’s crunkcore. This is not an album to miss, regardless of your feelings towards the genre.
Sources:
[1] https://youtu.be/1TxiiGWCMXc?feature=shared
