_{By Madeline Harris}

Miicah’s second album FATAMORGANA functions as an auditory brain massage and plays on all the senses. It’s engaging on all levels, with introspective lyrics, and rhythmic shifts around every corner that keep the listener speculating about what is yet to come.

FATAMORGANA is a chameleon of an album, and I found myself bewitched by the vibrancy of creative flow that resonates from it. It’s the kind of music that, when left on, cultivates an environment for intellectual and emotional exploration. It welcomes the listener to an expansive sub-reality plane where artistic experimentation is the top priority.

Upon listening for the first time, the flow is evident. The listener finds themselves transported, via synths and percussion, to new imaginative settings with each song. While song one, “MERCHANTS,” sets the stage in what seems to be an intergalactic supernova of sound and speed, the following title track slows it down and lets the listener float atop a psychedelic lazy river.  If sound alone could generate mind-expansion, the song “FATAMORGANA” nails it on the head.

This constant shifting of vibes was the goal according to frontman Micah Christensen. “It’s supposed to sound like a process, each song being completely different than the rest.”

Something to be noted is the album’s name and how it represents the album’s flow — a Fata Morgana is a mirage on the horizon, allowing for the effortless blend of sea to sky. This swift and smooth fusion is reflected in miicah’s seamless transitions from song to song. It’s neo-psychedelia meets sax-house flow. This rich, experimental diversity is reminiscent of genres ranging from the dreamy shoegaze of the ’90s (think Cocteau Twins’ Heaven or Las Vegas) to modern jazz-adjacent indie pop (think Mild High Club’s Skiptracing).

While the album ventures from vibe to vibe, its common ground is miicah’s exceptional mixing abilities. Ambient saxophone, textured synths, and cavern style reverb back the dreamy vocals. The approach to layering sounds and textures is fearless and distinctive and can be compared to the early sound of Tame Impala.

Miicah takes advantage of the limitless opportunities of creative exploration in FATAMORGANA. The attention to detail is remarkably fine-tuned, and every listen brings about new sensations and prompts contemplation. Most impressive is miicah’s ability to insert such catchy and reflective lyrics without them demanding your attention. When you do choose to focus your attention on the lyrics amidst the sea of other sounds, they will meet you in the middle.

The listener is free to choose where to direct their ear-gaze, and by exploring this experiential liberty, is met by a different outcome every time; what you put into this album is what you’ll get out of it. The lyrics promote raw and uninhibited self-analysis. The repetitive and catchy nature of miicah’s choruses nearly induce a meditative state.

Christensen elaborates on the construction of FATAMORGANA. “This album is something I’ve wanted to make for like 10 years now. I’ve always loved the idea of creating something with such level of detail and depth in storytelling, production, and lyricism.”

I can’t pick a favorite song, because different elements jump out at me during each listening session. I can, however, narrow it down to 30 seconds or so that generates an insane amount of dopamine. Pay close attention to the transition from “GOING SO WELL” to “IN DECEMBER.” The rhythm amps up and when the tension is released at the beat drop, I always find myself nodding along. Without fail, this perfect transition strikes me every time.

The range FATAMORGANA offers and its ability to bounce so fluidly between different themes and sounds is rare. Impressive is an understatement.

It’s irresistably dynamic and simply never stagnates. There is not a dull moment, and even the quiet, open spaces pack a punch. Miicah has mastered sound and uses this mastery to provide a journey through the inner psyche. It’ll place you face to face with the questions we don’t say out loud.

“This album to me is my reboot plan. It’s my cushion when I fall into bad headspaces… It’s an initiation of individual thought.”

Allow miicah to soundtrack your winter with FATAMORGANA. Follow miicah on Instagram and listen to “GOING SO WELL” below!