SONG REVIEW: MKNLY - "Empty"
“This is the song I would have listened to in the gymnasium in High School”
by Jesse Smith
Like many of us, I have been known to dive into deep and painful songs when I feel depressed or like life is just beating me down. It’s therapeutic for probably all of us and really helps us as listeners get in touch with our own emotions which is the start to healing and truthfully, I haven’t heard a better song that fits this category than “Empty” by MKNLY* (* For those wondering how it’s pronounced, Mah-Kin-Lee). Coming out of North Carolina, MKNLY has been ripping emotional hits since 2017. Like many bands, 2020 was a devastating year but they were able to release music. Bringing us to 2023, The band has now released this extremely introspective and personal song about being your own worst enemy. The worst betrayal is the one against yourself and as you’ll see and hear, MKNLY absolutely captured this into not only words but a feeling.
As the intro plays, I immediately get sucked into the vibe. The piano is so simple but the melody is melancholy. It almost gives a modern Linkin Park vibe. The band starts playing and I feel I have to point out how great the mix is. Working with Chris Linick from Attila and Curtis Martin of Catch Your Breath and EKOH has become a household sound as of recently. This is not the first time I have heard the fruits of their labor and everytime it is very crisp, clean, vocal melody heavy and they seem to have that huge chorus concept on lock, this is no exception. The beginning is unexpected but very strong even with the emotional lyrics. These lyrics, like I said, is about the feeling of being an empty shell of yourself and not being able to get yourself out of that space, not only that but hoping someone else will fill that space for you. You hear that in the verses but the chorus you really feel it. MKNLY is really good at connecting the emotion and the music as you can feel as the vocals are belting but belting with a purpose and pain. They also play with the space within the song, making a perfectly timed dramatic pause and having some electronic undertones that keep you locked and brings the song to life.
These are the songs I would have listened to at gymnasium in High School. The way they delivered their message in this song is fantastic and the music is there to give it the strongest backbone and foundation. If you need some healing with a night drive therapy session, I highly recommend this song. The thing about these songs that means the most, is the feeling of acceptance and knowing that other people have felt, or still feel the same as you. And even though you feel trapped and alone, you never are. The beauty of music.