Mallrat Delivers an Otherworldy Glitch Pop Vision in "Ray of Light"
Australian glitch pop queen Mallrat has returned with her electric new single, the delusional anthem titled “Ray of Light.” The follow-up to her 2022 critically acclaimed album Butterfly Blue, this new offering is a culmination of what makes Mallrat’s perspective stand out from the rest. With a touch of experimental electro-pop and a whole lot of energy, “Ray of Light” lives up to its intriguing title.
On the inspiration behind the track, Mallrat is extremely self-aware. She says, “I often feel pulled in certain directions by invisible forces. I secretly suspect that it’s the work of heavenly angels, and sometimes I feel like an alien for these inexplicable knowing... I think these thoughts are at worst grounds to be admitted to the psych ward, and at best an embarrassing cocktail of narcissism and delusion.” Relatable and brutally honest, these delusions of grandeur shine through in the composition of the track’s production and lyricism.
“Ray of Light” starts with a muddy vocalization, one that sounds like it’s coming from the other room. Its heavy synths and glitch effects immediately captivate the listener. Produced by Styalz Fuego and mastered by Ruairi O’Flaherty, the technical cohesion of the track is what makes its left-of-center pop style work so well. The power Mallrat believes she possesses is palpable, embracing the messiness of it all. With its fluttering production, Charli xcx style autotuned ad-libs, and melodies that keep you guessing, “Ray of Light” is a dreamy treat from start to finish.
If the category is artistic growth, “Ray of Light” is more than qualified. Mallrat’s natural pull towards something otherworldly is captured in this glittering, messy end-of-summer bop. If this is any indication of what her next project will sound like, we’re more than ready to experience a new era of this experimental pop force.
Watch the "Ray of Light" below:
