Mayda: The Interrogation

Mayda
The Interrogation
Sonic Matrimony
2009-03-10

Born in South Korea but calling Minnesota her stomping grounds, Mayda gets her groovy, synth-tinged pop party started with the bubbly, catchy and sugar-coated “My Circuitry”, a tune that someone like Pink or Avril could have a hit single with. Meanwhile, “Actin’ Crazy” is a quirky but infectious number that lets Mayda steer the song with a strong set of pipes. The problem with most albums that start off strong is they tend to wilt, but Mayda manages to avoid that pitfall with the decent synth-hop of “Focus” which recalls Rhianna minus the umbrella. Sadly, the title track with all its edge and roughness, sounds far too forced and suffers as a result. Mayda nails the raps perfectly, as is the case with the dark but solid “Inhale” with some help from Dessa Darling. Perhaps what the singer does best is working in short, choppy but quite credible pop formats, especially the swinging “Dirty Pie Crew” and the closing “Almond Eyes”. For fans of short, sweet and polished radio pop with soul.

RATING 6 / 10