By Mike Romero
With so much music in the Provo music scene, it’s easy to get sucked in and start listening to music in a bubble. It’s always great to see what awaits you in the broader world of sonic textures, and to find new recommendations that can inspire you to make music differently than you did before.
Madge fans rejoice, because we’ve got another edgy hyperpop artist to recommend, albeit one with a stronger alt rock bent. Today’s Non-Utah Indies pick is “Manipulation Man” by Anakyn Gray. With constantly upbeat, punchy drums reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s heyday, this song is kinetic as all get out.
Gray delivers the verses with venomous apathy, sing-talking his way through a violent wave of passive aggression before entering the chorus via a wild direct modulation. Other standouts from the track are some excellently effective triangle features and brutal half time breakdown at the end.
Plus, the album art for this one is SPOOKY and we’re here for it. It definitely matches the alt-pop/punk pop vibes.
Make sure to follow Anakyn Gray on Instagram. You can hear “Manipulation Man” below.