MAVE ARRIVES WITH SONIC BOLDNESS AND EMOTIONAL DEPTH ON ‘ESTATIC/PERPLEXED'
Fresh off a standout performance at MUSEXPO in Los Angeles and the release of the extended version of fan-favorite “Somebody Else’s House,” MaVe continues her genre-defying rise with her second studio album, estatic/perplexed. Blending Scandinavian experimentalism with infectious pop sensibilities, MaVe carves out a sound that’s as emotionally raw as it is sonically daring.
Written, produced, and recorded entirely by MaVe—with drummer Halvor Dokke and producer Peter Sørheim adding live instrumentation—the album navigates the emotional tightrope between euphoria and confusion, clarity and chaos. It’s a body of work that doesn’t just break boundaries—it builds something entirely new from the pieces.
Critically praised and playlisted across Norway, Sweden, and the U.S., estatic/perplexed is as bold as it is vulnerable. Each track on the album offers a different lens through which to experience MaVe’s artistry: from the haunting, organ-led opening of “Power Loving” to the cinematic, pop-perfect closer “I’d Remember You,” MaVe proves she’s not just evolving—she’s transforming.
What follows is a track-by-track breakdown of Estatic/Perplexed, an album that challenges, surprises, and ultimately sticks with you long after the last note fades:
“Power Loving” opens the album with a distant, echoing organ that sets a haunting tone before MaVe’s edgy, emotive vocals cut through the haze. Lines like “Hold me as I fall asleep, keep me safe so I can dream” immediately draw the listener in, evoking a sense of vulnerability and curiosity. As the track unfolds, crisp percussion enters the mix, grounding the atmosphere and building momentum. The drums grow more intense and thunderous with each measure, culminating in a powerful, full-bodied sound that launches the album with energy and intention. It’s a gripping introduction that demands your attention from the first note.
“Stardust,” the second track on the album, bursts out of the gate with a sound that feels like Elle Goulding and Lykke Li had a genre-defying musical baby. It flirts with near-rap, using chopped-up vocals to inject texture and edge, adding an entirely new dimension to an already meticulously crafted track. Imagine Santigold’s boldness, but with a sound and identity that's unmistakably MaVe’s. The rhythm section brings a pulse reminiscent of “Little Drummer Boy” beats—tight, resonant, and propulsive—driving the song forward with a hypnotic energy. As the track winds down, it transforms into something even more beautiful: a delicate piano outro underscored by MaVe’s signature, soul-stirring vocals. Honestly, this song could’ve gone on for another five minutes, and we’d still be hanging on every second.
“Solo Flying” places MaVe’s voice front and center, more so than any track before it. Here, her vocal range and emotional depth take the spotlight, and the result is nothing short of captivating. Gentle humming woven throughout the song adds a layer of intimacy, while a subtle southern twang gives the track a unique, textured flavor. There’s a hint of Adele-esque soul in her delivery—powerful, vulnerable, and completely unfiltered. This is the kind of song that sneaks up on you emotionally. It might just bring you to tears, but the cathartic, beautiful kind. The lyrics hit especially hard, offering another shining example of MaVe’s lyrical strength and raw talent. “Solo Flying” doesn’t just showcase her voice—it showcases her heart.
“Cloud Skies” opens with a shimmering synth, setting a dreamy tone before MaVe’s voice swiftly returns to the forefront. Staccato notes add rhythmic intrigue, giving the track an added dimension without overwhelming its elegant simplicity. As the song builds, thunderous lyrics and a soaring vocal delivery take it to new heights, especially as the final chorus crescendos with raw emotion and power. It’s a track that feels both expansive and intimate, and by the time it hits its peak, you might find yourself swaying—or even dancing. “Cloud Skies” is as uplifting as it is infectious, making it one of the album’s standout moments.
“Extraordinary,” the fifth track on the album, shifts the energy and introduces a bold new vibe. A thunderous bassline sets the tone as MaVe opens with spoken word—raw and deliberate—before effortlessly transitioning into her signature soaring vocals. A few well-placed “na na”s spark a moment of Shikira/Rihanna-esque flair, adding a playful, unexpected twist. As the track unfolds, the spoken word returns with greater intensity, building the song to a fever pitch. Layers of intricate production and dynamic shifts make this one of the album’s most textured and compelling moments. The bridge pulls everything together, creating a cinematic climax that feels like it belongs in John Wick 5—picture MaVe’s voice pulsing through the speakers as Keanu wreaks havoc in a neon-lit alleyway in Prague. It’s fierce, theatrical, and absolutely unforgettable.
“Weak” opens with the subtle manipulation of what sounds like distant church bells, paired with a delicate piano line that sets a quiet, contemplative mood. Then MaVe enters—her vocals smooth, haunting, and emotionally rich—guiding the listener into what initially feels like a tender ballad. But just when you think you know where it’s going, the track pivots. Glitchy, arcade-inspired electronic elements crash in, flipping the atmosphere on its head. It’s a bold and unexpected move—one that might divide listeners—but it undeniably adds intrigue and edge. The choruses burst with intensity, layered with eclectic instrumentation that dances between chaos and cohesion. “Weak” is unpredictable, emotionally charged, and impossible to ignore. It’s the kind of track that keeps unfolding with every listen.
“Somebody Else’s House” brings the album back into darker, more emotionally charged territory. The track is steeped in melancholy, power, and introspection, anchored by lyrics like: “I’ve been walking around with my head up in the clouds / These days I’m only listening to unfamiliar sound / Stuck behind a door that I’m not getting out / I’m only existing in somebody else’s house.” It’s a collection of lines that stop you in your tracks, pulling you into a space of deep reflection. As the song unfolds, it shifts from resignation to resilience, exploring the journey of reclaiming self-worth and remembering who you are in the midst of losing yourself. The piano accompaniment is subtle yet powerful, perfectly underscoring the weight of the lyrics and adding a haunting elegance that lingers long after the final note.
“Tolerate” opens with a delicate piano line and MaVe’s expansive, airy vocals—immediate, intimate, and undeniably arresting. The track gradually builds into something more powerful, calling to mind the emotionally charged artistry of Grammy-winning vocalist Sia. It stands out not just for its vocal strength, but for its pristine, nuanced production—something listeners will no doubt appreciate. Despite the absence of a heavy bassline and drums, the track remains magnetic, its emotional pull impossible to ignore. It’s stripped-down, yet full—proof that simplicity, when executed well, can hit just as hard. Still, it’s easy to imagine a remix with booming bass and cinematic drums transforming this into an entirely new kind of anthem.
“I’d Remember You” closes out Estatic/Perplexed on a high note, with MaVe’s vocals remaining just as addictive and captivating as they were at the start. Driven by crisp drums and infectious melodies, the track has all the makings of a breakout pop anthem—catchy, clever, and effortlessly replayable. The arrangement is both sharp and dynamic, weaving witty musical choices with emotional depth. It’s the kind of song that practically demands to be put on repeat. As the final chapter in an album brimming with vulnerability and boldness, “I’d Remember You” leaves a lasting impression and wraps the emotional journey with style and power. Miss this track, and you're truly missing out.
In Estatic/Perplexed, MaVe doesn’t just deliver a collection of songs—she offers a fully immersive emotional and sonic journey. From the ethereal opening of “Power Loving” to the anthemic closer “I’d Remember You,” the album pulses with vulnerability, confidence, and fearless experimentation. Each track reveals another layer of her artistry, showcasing a bold willingness to explore genre, sound, and feeling without restraint.
This is not an album made for passive listening—it demands your attention, your emotions, and your time. It invites you to sit with discomfort, dance with contradictions, and find beauty in the in-between. With Estatic/Perplexed, MaVe cements herself not only as a captivating vocalist and songwriter but as a visionary producer crafting her own lane. This isn’t just growth, it’s an arrival.