Debuting in 2020, MCND have developed a consistently playful sound. But without a breakout hit, the group has struggled to sell as well as many of their peers. It's important to forge a signature style, but I wonder if it's time to try something different. New single X10 echoes many of the same elements of past title tracks to diminished returns.
Over the years, MCND's music has developed a penchant for rootsy guitars underpinning chanted hooks. X10 is built upon these same sounds, stomping along with a confident energy that matches the group's charismatic delivery. The verses employ a sing-talk phrasing -- kind of melodic but delivered with the rhythm of hip-hop. They pass by without much fanfare, keeping the energy high.
X10's bombastic chorus shows potential, yet it's framed by a cloying "1, 2, 3" chant that undercuts its power. I'm rarely a fan of counting in songs, especially if it fills an important segment like the chorus. The rhythm here feels halted and uninteresting where it should be nimble and exciting. At its best, MCND's playfulness transforms silly hooks into unexpected highlights, but X10 is too leaden to be joyful.
Hooks | 7 |
Production | 7 |
Longevity | 7 |
Bias | 7 |
RATING | 7 |
Grade: C-
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