Mal Blum - “See Me”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 7

Pairs Well With…Ben Kweller, Kimya Dawson, Bright Eyes

Once folk-based artist Mal Blum has gone full power pop on his 2019 record Pity Boy, a sharp left turn and one that actually has the Brooklyn-based performer sounding at his best. By adding grunge rock instrumentation and abiding in hooky songwriting, it gives his melancholy, personable, and quirky lyrics a brighter spotlight to shine. Beyond big choruses and fist-pumping percussion is an underlying vulnerability in Blum’s quivering vocal that grounds it in contemporary, bedroom rock modes. (Kevin McStravick)