This startlingly dark, lustrous EP kicks off with “Figure 8,” and I have to say that I am entranced already. At the start of this stunning video (linked below), you will hear Twigs’ gorgeous, soothing voice layered over the visuals of what I can only describe as an inky, dark, female anglerfish mixed with Ursula and a tinge of an oracular voodoo high-priestess.
I can assuredly tell you that FKA twigs, at this point, has to be the human equivalent of a siren with her wanton voice. Her seductive and rapture-inducing vocals will surely tempt me wherever she wanders. What I truly enjoyed about this part of the video and track was its reference to Glass & Patron (reviewed here), when Twigs utters so beguilingly “Hold that pose for me.”
As Twigs, in a deflated state, is born of what I described as a dark priestess who emitted a glowing orb, “I’m Your Doll” begins to play. As She transforms to that of a sex doll, we hear her ethereal voice utter yet another magnificently creepy track. This part of the video is so befitting the lyrics. Yes, it may be dark, and even fear-inducing, but, for me, I find its frighteningly dark nature to be ensnaring. It is like an episode of American Horror Story, and I am incapable of looking away. No, not every part of this video is easy to watch, but I believe art is not always beautiful in a positive way. I find this part of the video to be captivating in the sense of grotesque beauty that makes a point.
I’m your doll
Wind me up
I’m your doll
Dress me up
I’m your doll
Love me rough
I’m your doll
I’m your doll
Next, we move to an impregnated FKA, after her time as a doll. In this next part of the video, “In Time” layers over the video. Cut to what I can only describe as a TLC/Left Eye and 90s inspired outfit, and we see some of twigs’ choreography come into play. Did I mention she is stunningly gorgeous? I have to say, this track is my favorite, with “Glass & Patron” and “Figure 8” following close behind. With its pop roots and dark sounds, “In Time” is blended with emotional lyrics and perfect vocals. I do believe her water just broke in a spew of metallic, rainbow paint. She is still ridiculously gorgeous, though.
Cue the paint smeared, white van from “Glass & Patron,” and we know what enticing song is up next. With an intro from “Mothercreep,” we transition to the grand finale of the EP with “Glass & Patron.” In this section of the video, we enter the vogue battle of the century, and we are seductively drawn to the lustrously mysteriousness and beautifully perplexing voice of twigs.
I have never been so intrigued yet intimidated (in the best way) by such an artistic video as this. When I first found Twigs, I did not fully understand her style, her character, her art, but as I perused her LP1 and EP2, I realized how gorgeously enigmatic she is. Now, I find the beauty in her art, I adore her genuine personality, and I love her confident, dedicated nature towards her music career. I loved this unique EP being released with an entire video to tell its story. FKA twigs is incredibly haunting with M3LL155X. I loved every second of it, and it is a rarity to be graced with such a gem of true artistry and music in an era of diluted talent and ghostwriters for shallow pop stars. This is not just a 16 minute video to layer over an EP. This is spectacular, well thought out, strikingly tantalizing, shadowy art.
Brian is an English and Professional Writing major at East Stroudsburg University. In his spare time, he likes to buy 5 books for every 1 book he has time to read. His favorite novels include And Then There Were None, Savages, Better, The Martian Chronicles, and The Kings of Cool. Brian hopes to pursue a job in editing upon graduation.