Theresa Tekien - Microchip
Trip Hop, Electro-Pop
Colorado, U.S.
Overall Impression: "Microchip" is an exciting release from Colorado-based recording artist Theresa Marie Tekien. Featured on her 2022 album Stereo.type, this anti-love song is highlighted by an eclectic sound design and a forward-thinking approach to production. Filtered vocals deliver sharply acerbic lyrics set to groovy electric piano-laden, trip-hop inspired beats, while cavernous horns blast maudlin fanfares and sweeping strings do their part to sweeten the deal. Theresa Marie Tekien's "Microchip" should appeal to a diverse range of audiences, from fans of dark electro-pop and alternative r&b to trip-hop and indie electronica enthusiasts.
Strongest Point(s): Outstanding production, superb mix. Excellent tonal balance and use of space. Hauntingly beautiful atmosphere and mood. Brilliant beat design, great groove. Love the trip-hop elements and aesthetic. Nice sonic palette, good blend of tones. The brass sections sound fantastic, nice use of reverb. Great instrumental section at around 2:20, serves as a sort of bridge and does a wonderful job of breaking things up a bit. Terrific vocal performance and production; delivery is dripping with a compelling swagger, and the filter on the verses works really well here in this context. Clever lyrics that you give a interesting flow, nice word play and a great tag line. Overall, this is a meticulously constructed track that has a riveting and unique sound that's quite difficult to pin down. It could draw listeners from any number of genres, given its heterogeneous makeup. Tremendous work, from start to finish!
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Pop/Rock, Pop, Trip Hop, Left-Field Pop, Electro-Pop, Alternative Pop/Rock, RnB, Alternative RnB, Alternative/Indie Rock, Indie Electronic
Artist target suggestions: Lana Del Rey, Charlie XCX, Iggy Azalea, Allie X, Banks, Bat for Lashes, Portishead, Fiona Apple, Halsey, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Massive Attack, Sneaker Pimps, Beth Orton, Joan as Police Woman
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About the Reviewer:
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers.