FKA twigs - M3LL155X

FKA Twigs
M3LL155X
2015

M3LL155X (pronounced 'Melissa') is that newest EP release from FKA Twigs and follows suit to her avant-garde exploration of self debut LP1. This album not only plays with rhythm and tone but it also explores the the dynamic of sexual objectification and domination. "i'm your doll" finds FKA taking the persona of a submissive and all the trappings that come along with taking on that role in a sexual relationship. "In Time" works more as an R&B song in the traditional sense, however there is nothing traditional about the execution. Electronic beats flow in and out of the track creating a fluid nature to the music. It allows FKA twigs to go anywhere with both tempo and tone, nothing on this album is set in stone. At times it can become highly uncomfortable like on "glass & patron" where you feel almost attacked by the music as FKA whispers and oozes sex in your ear. This record is absoultely not for the faint of heart.

What comes across a great deal on M3LL155X is FKA twigs' sense of feminism and what that means in today's day and age. Instead of "wanting equal pay" or anything like that FKA is more interested in being her own ruler. She wants control of her body, her music, her desire simply put she does not want any constraint put upon either her person or her music. The result on the album is not a sense of freedom, but rather an aggression towards anything that is not that. FKA twigs is going to get whatever she likes and does not want your judgements put upon that. It makes for a very visceral expereince when hearing these ideas put into musical form. M3LL155X is an avant-garde experience on par with Bjork or any of the other great experimental artists. It is a great listen, but be prepared to be challenged, it is not for the faint of heart.

8 out of 10