MIHI

Mpathy takes a completely different approach to music than most others might. As a scientist, he uses instruments and electronics to seemingly create the feeling of a scientific experiment. Elementally, the music is diverse within each track. There are so many instruments present in this three-song EP including strings, woodwinds, percussion, and of course, synthesizers. Mpathy uses each instrument as more than just an addition to the melody; he uses it to enhance the power of the lyrics as well as presenting the complexities in science. You cannot listen to this EP without trying to consider the various dimensions of music that are explored; whether that be in an attempt to depict a science experiment, or even to portray something more psychologically based. That being said, the melodies are well crafted and precise, as Mpathy takes us on a dark journey through his music.

The title single, “The Golden Boy” examines the depth of Mpathy’s mind. It’s an extremely dark piece with a driving beat. His voice is prevalent, especially in the verses of this track. It’s not necessarily sweet or even too melodic, for that matter; it happens to be slightly nasal sounding, and sits somewhere between singing and talking. On “Unemployment,” you hear a different side of his voice that is sweeter sounding, which makes it clear that he is purposely singing the way he does on “The Golden Boy,” adding a theatrical element to the song. He sings of his dreams and how they frighten him. Every musical choice he makes further enforces the realness of his terror. The piano is used very carefully to add to the building of his fear. We are taken on a ride with him as he depicts this notion with ghosts “that keep chasing me from dream to dream.” Between the scientifically inspired electronic outbursts after the last line of the chorus “he shows me my psychosis is real,” I continued to be drawn into the theatrical side of the song. It resonated with me, as a great horror film does. The uncomfortable feelings that you feel while watching the movie remain with you for some time after it’s over. “The Golden Boy” was a fantastic depiction of Mpathy’s fears and insecurities coming out through his night terrors.

“Dangerous Love” relies heavily on the acoustic guitar as well as the slight inklings of electronica starting to develop. The booming, almost dub step sounding electronic beat drops as a gorgeous female voice emerges. This beat drop took me by surprise. Knowing that Mpathy is a scientist, I’d compare it to a scientific experiment, revealing something you never imagined was possible: something shocking, yet beautiful. Her breathy voice soars over the strong, booming beat, as we are taken to a post-chorus electronic breakdown. It’s not as heavy as the chorus, but it feels manipulated and purposely over-produced. I believe that the slight over-production heightens the idea of an ongoing scientific experiment. On the last chorus, the two voices sing together, creating a feeling of completion and pushing the limits of harmony.

“Unemployment” opens with a catchy piano melody, backed by electronic drums. The piano is not playing chords, but single notes, creating a quiet and more subdued vibe. The combination of real instruments and electronics provides a distinct listening experience. Mpathy allows his voice to take a more melodic route on this low-key track. The lyrics are very dark as he sings; “I listen to ambient noise to tell if I could hear a voice,” and describes how his “vacant breaths are thundering.” The idea of loneliness is presented with such clarity and theatrics that you feel his pain. The instrumentation stays among the electronic percussion and the piano, and the song doesn’t really build like the other tracks do. Only at one other moment is the acoustic guitar introduced to play a relaxed solo. The piano begins to venture into a solo simultaneously. To me, this represented two lonely, but beautiful souls who cannot seem to find or connect with each other.

It’s clear that each decision of each note was thought out to fit a recipe of sorts. As a scientist would use a specifically measured recipe to conduct an experiment, Mpathy seems to apply the same idea to his music. Knowing that the EP was made by a scientist completely altered the way I thought about what I was hearing. I believe my experience, and the way I chose to listen to the EP, led me to have a deeper connection with the music. I wonder how I would have perceived the nuances and intricacies if I hadn’t known about the scientific context. Would I have been able to hear it the same way? Would the idea have been clear? I can’t really answer these questions, but I can definitely tell you that it made the listening experience extremely unique and well worthwhile.
Article by: Alex Feigin - Pancakes and Whiskey

Mpathy’s Golden Boy is an electronic-infused track that will have listeners singing along after the first few listens to the titular EP. During the track, there is a deliberate and intense drum beat with a sterling set of vocals that are reminiscent of acts like They Might Be Giants and Depeche Mode. Taken together, what results is a fun track that will get listeners on the dance floor. The track is mastered perfectly, meaning that Mpathy could easily get some radio rotation with this track. There is a fullness here from the variety of elements that listeners will be able to discern, meaning that there are hints of ropey soul-infused bass, Chromeo-esque synths, and enough in the way of twists and turns to keep listeners hanging onto every note.goldeboy

Dangerous Love is an effort that ties together current EDM and dubstep styles with mid-nineties J-pop and Miami sound to create something that a wide swath of fans can appreciate while coming forth in a bold new way. The ability of Mpathy to build up dramatic tension and move to near silence makes for a much more complete and effecting track than most of what currently can be heard on podcasts and digital music services. There is a heaviness to Dangerous Love that pushes the Golden Boy EP to an entirely higher plateau.

Unemployment eschews much of the outright electronic elements for an effort that is more in step with Digital Ash in a Digital Urn-era Bright Eyes. There is a tenderness on this track that introduces Mpathy fans to an entirely new facet of the performer. The three constituent tracks on the Golden Boy EP should be enjoyed together to provide a full introduction to this fascinating performer. Check Mpathy’s Facebook for the latest in information about these fascinating tunes. - Neu Futuur

The Golden Boy is a double EP by Boston area singer/songwriter Mikael Mpathy. Originally planned as a single EP, Mikael suddenly lost his job and wrote songs to pass the time. Unemployment was the first song to come from these sessions and a series of poppier and more electro influenced songs followed. The first half of the album reflects this sound while the second half is moodier, darker, and more somber in tone but still contains the hooks that makes the first half of the album pop. By combining an even mix of new indie rock, old new wave and folk music, Mpathy's The Golden Boy is unique, varied, but with a coherent unified sound in where it goes next. From the electropop thump to the Golden Boy, the dubstep and house inspired Dangerous Love, the electrofolk branded The Song, closing to the somber strains of Unemployment, Mpathy's The Golden Boy takes the listener on a musical journey across the sonicsphere. - Paste Magazine

When Mpathy was introduced to me, it sounds like we met at a party instead on through an email, I thought he was going to be full of beeps, whistles and sounds that are still foreign to me. Electronic music, while I’ve reviewed it some over the years, is still strange to me. However, when it came to Mpathy, I heard a hint of it, but overall felt like he was serving up pop music that sits on the brink of the ‘80s.

When “The Song” started, I was taken aback. Where was that bass drop I’ve come to expect from electronic? Instead there were lyrics to listen to and a man with something to actually say. Speaking of, “Unemployment” was the most relatable track – maybe just for me – but still. It’s not a topic that’s taken on in music all the time and someone like me appreciates this. I’ve been applying for work since college ended in 2009. Lead single “The Golden Boy” was the one that definitely sent my thoughts towards the decade of Madonna and MTV’s start. Never fear though, “Dangerous Love” had that signature electronic sound heard in tracks put out by Zedd and Co.

If you’re a fan of music that would be considered pop based with electronic waves, check out Mpathy. He creates music that’s not only a blend but has interesting lyrics to attach to. - The Golden Mixtape