Gift by Mizzy

Review written by small fish

Mizzy’s debut EP, Gift, showcases a classic shoegaze sound paired with emotional and politically driven lyrics. The band describes themselves as “Black and Brown Gaze.” This label is important for the listener to understand, as Mizzy touches on the issues of racism, genocide, and generational trauma.

Shoegaze is a style of music that originated from the UK in the 1980s. It is known for its droning guitar riffs, heavy use of pedals, and moody lyrics. While following this style tonally, the lyrics in Gift are where Mizzy stands out. Mizzy favors a more political message to their songs than the usual introspective themes found in shoegaze.

“Gift” opens with a gloomy guitar riff that builds and builds with repeated lyrics. Layers of fuzzy guitar chords add upon each other, creating a lot of tension, and the soft and muddied lyrics add another touch of mystery and anticipation to the track. This tension is unresolved and continues into the second song on the album. “Double Dealing” is a more lyrically driven lament for the martyrs in Gaza. Determined guitar chords and a drum part that resembles distant marching set a melancholy and militaristic tone. The drum abstracts as the song continues and a second voice joins in the singing of the chorus.

The rest of the album follows a similar melancholy, yet compelling, mood. The lyrics highlight the struggle of those living in Gaza and the singer’s resentment of American complicity in the genocide. The last three songs blend into one continuous song with differing parts rather than a collection of distinct songs. This otherwise gloomy album ends with a message of conviction and solidarity with those in Palestine: “Voices never silent / History lives on / The masses will prevail / We will stop this senseless burning.”

Gift perfectly encapsulates the politically conscious and empathetic nature of Mizzy, along with their ability to craft beautiful and emotional shoegaze tones. Mizzy redefines shoegaze and shapes it to be more socially conscious.