Review: Mackenzy Mackay - Don’t Wait Up

Mackenzy Mackay

Don’t Wait Up

British alt-pop singer Mackenzy Mackay blends inspirations effortlessly on a debut EP that feels like a greatest hits collection.

★★★★★

British alternative pop singer Mackenzy Mackay shines with his debut EP ‘Don’t Wait Up’.

After his decision to travel and explore New Zealand became forcibly extended, due to lockdown restrictions, Mackay delved into a collection of demos he had been working on and lept at the opportunity to turn them into something more. His debut EP.

New Zealand is a lush slice of paradise in the world and unsurprisingly has inspired some incredible pieces of music over the years. Its sands can be felt in the summery Pop of Lorde’s Solar Power or fellow native Marlon William’s recently sprightly work ‘My Boy’. You could certainly argue the country's unique surroundings have seeped in and enlightened Mackay's work on this collection

With ‘Don’t Wait Up’, Mackay feels like a Pop curator, taking influence from a wide range of genres, styles and sounds. For instance, he blends funky tropical pop with a spritely guitar riff on ‘I Can’t Undo’. Meanwhile, on ‘Honeycomb’ Mackay’s natural, delicate falsetto is reminiscent of Mike Posner combined with the horn fuelled production of duo Lemaitre and Alessia Cara. Throughout the EP there are also identifiable splashes of LAUV and gnash in tone.

It is no slight on Mackay, it’s an undeniable talent to have a sound that feels both familiar yet so unique at the same time. Take for instance the delightful ‘Temperatures Rising’ which is the perfect showcase for Mackay’s smart and very British lyricism. His smooth cadence flows captivatingly over its summery beat. ‘Voyage’ shows Mackay’s sound can transition effortlessly from laidback chilled-out jams to trance-influenced club jams perfect for the dancefloor. ‘Sweet Talk’ finds that sweet spot between rap and rhythm that Steve Lacy straddles so perfectly, whilst ‘FO’ is a joyous anthem that feels destined to go viral and soundtrack many summers to come.

With ‘Don’t Wait Up’ Mackay has crafted a debut EP that simultaneously feels like a greatest hits compilation due to its high quality. He’s a presence you have to have on your radar.