Maxur | “i used to believe in fairytales”, Dark R&B Pop Magic
The intro track “Too Young” on MAXUR’s EP “i used to believe in fairytales” serves as the perfect set up for the rest of the project. The song’s dreamy, atmospheric production sets the mood for the rest of the EP, while MAXUR’s vulnerable lyrics and emotive vocals provide a glimpse into the personal themes explored throughout the project. “Too Young” showcases MAXUR’s vocal prowess, as he effortlessly switches between silky falsettos and powerful belts. The song’s hook is particularly catchy, with MAXUR’s vocals soaring over a pulsing beat, leaving listeners wanting more.
“Perfume” serves as a nice switch-up from the intro track. The song’s powerful piano melody and MAXUR’s soulful vocals provide a stark contrast to the dreamy production and vulnerability of “Too Young”. “Perfume” explores the aftermath of a toxic relationship and the challenges of moving on from that experience. MAXUR skillfully puts the listener in his shoes, allowing them to feel the emotions of heartbreak and betrayal that he is experiencing. The song’s bridge is particularly powerful, as MAXUR’s vocals build to a cathartic release of emotion.
The next track, “Found Myself”, is a giant on the EP, showcasing MAXUR’s ability to blend different genres and sounds. The song has a reminiscent tone of the late DMX, but blended with a more up-beat house/EDM feel. The song explores the process of self-discovery and the freedom that comes with finding oneself. MAXUR’s unique blend of genres and sounds work together to create a dynamic and energetic track that is both thought-provoking and catchy. It’s impressive how MAXUR pulls off this feat, seamlessly blending different styles to create a cohesive and unique sound.
“Perfume” and “Found Myself” are two of the strongest tracks on the EP, showcasing MAXUR’s versatility as an artist and his ability to take listeners on a journey through his personal experiences. Speaking of personal experiences, MAXUR has been writing lyrics since he was twelve years old, but only started recording in 2018. He stated that there is a huge difference in his growth since then, and it’s clear in the way he explores different themes and sounds throughout the EP.
To expand further on how he arrived at this point, we dug into his stage name origin. The name “MAXUR” is one letter off of his last name “Mazur”. He stated that in some words, “x” makes the “z” sound, so the name fits. He also served in the military and became accustomed to being called by his last name. The name “MAXUR” allows him to remember where he came from, but removes the toxicity that comes with it.
Back to the EP, It would be remiss not to mention “Could of Been”, one of the standout tracks on MAXUR’s “i used to believe in fairytales” EP. The song features a catchy, infectious chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head. MAXUR’s smooth vocals and the song’s pop-infused R&B production make it an instant favorite and one of the strongest tracks in terms of replay-ability on the EP.
The EP ends on a high note with “Blinding White”, an ethereal and dreamy track that explores the curiosities of what could have been. The song’s production is minimalistic and builds a ton of suspense, allowing MAXUR’s vocals to take center stage. The gentle, floating melody makes the listener feel as though they are drifting away into a dream. The outro is a perfect end to the EP, encapsulating the feelings of nostalgia, heartbreak, and hope that have been explored throughout the project.
Overall, “Blinding White” is a beautiful record that ends the EP on a peaceful and serene note. MAXUR’s ability to craft an engaging and cohesive project is evident throughout “i used to believe in fairytales”, with each track offering something unique while still maintaining a clear and consistent theme.
MAXUR is already looking ahead to his next single, which he plans to release in April. He stated that it’s a slightly different vibe than the songs on “i used to believe in fairytales”, and that it’s his first guitar-led instrumental. Every element of the song was done intentionally as part of the story being told, and he’s excited for fans to hear it.
If you’ve come this far, you’ll see that MAXUR’s “i used to believe in fairytales” is a powerful exploration of relationships and healing, set to the backdrop of dark R&B pop. MAXUR’s growth as an artist is clear, and his dedication to intentional storytelling is evident throughout the EP. Fans of the genre should definitely give this EP a listen, and keep an eye out for his upcoming single in April.
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Stream the “i used to believe in fairytales” on Spotify below:
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