mxmtoon - Liminal Space

Since her 2017 YouTube debut, mxmtoon has steadily risen to indie-pop prominence. Propelled by TikTok virality, collaborations, and even a few placements on the soundtrack to streaming hit Heartstopper, she has cemented her place in the genre as well as building a loyal fanbase along the way. Three albums and three EPs later, enter ‘liminal space’. Born after her mother’s cancer diagnosis, ‘liminal space’ sees Maia grapple with the decisions she was forced to make during this time. Faced with life-altering scenarios, she could have retreated to the familiar comfort of her bedroom pop roots. Instead, she rises to the occasion, making ‘liminal space’ her boldest project to date. Despite this sonic self-assuredness, uncertainty still runs through the album’s lyrics. On ‘god’, an acoustic, confessional piece, Maia grapples with her faith (or lack thereof). Similarly, on ‘rain’, she contemplates possibly moving back to California after her mother’s diagnosis. Musically, however, ‘liminal space’ leans fully into exciting, unexplored territory. For example, ‘i hate texas’ is a country-tinted track with big, bold choruses that transition into jaunty string arrangements. Similarly, the Kero Kero Bonito feature on ‘the situation’ fits like a glove, with Sarah Midori’s playful voice adding a sense of whimsy to what is, at its core, a profoundly sad song. These risks, where she balances familiar diary-like lyrics with ambitious new sounds, make for an introspective yet refreshingly unpredictable album. ‘liminal space’ is a definitive step forward for mxmtoon. Her most confident and self-assured to date.