On The Verge: Mack Keane
Collins English Dictionary defines bubbling under as “to remain just beneath a particular level” or “to continue in the background or under the surface”. It is hard to consider this to be the present state of singer Mack Keane, as he has continued to build a steady buzz backed by his unquestionable talent. Mack has become synonymous with other major acts in the industry, such as record producer ESTA and R&B singer Joyce Wrice. We have seen his recent collaboration with the former, Open Up, serve almost like a tee up for a track that featured on the Insecure Season 5 soundtrack, “Seein Ya” featuring DUCKWRTH, Ambré, Jesse Boykins III, ESTA, and Mack Keane.
Mack’s sound has continued to evolve and refine, something that he is undoubtedly going to demonstrate during his upcoming show with Joyce Wrice. Below I highlight his 2020 EP Day Creek Rd and other standout tracks that speak to his incredible sound which blends R&B, neo-soul, and pop music.
The Day Creek Rd EP opens with One More Day Outside which is hard to think of as anything other than a letter of encouragement to the listener. Given the time of its release, being pent up and the angsty state of mind that it can create is something worth addressing. Before the track fades into the next, we start to hear the slinky bassline creep in. Letting us know that not everything has to be serious, we can still enjoy our lives and celebrate.
Unholy Matrimony shows that Mack can be smooth AF, a guy who is honest about the type of fun he likes to enjoy. The track is pure escapism, sometimes you just need to forget about everything else and indulge in some vices. Sue him. The bass and almost chant like vocal layering on the bridge feel so funky and make you want to move.
Hurt People following Unholy Matrimony show the range of sounds that Mack likes to live in. One thing is for certain, Mack sure knows how to rip that falsetto after dipping into his lower registers. Songs like Hurt People feel like a reflection of our time, epitomizing the current climate of relationships these days. Not saying it is right, but it seems to be the reality for many. The juxtaposition between the softness of his voice and pain in the words is wild, this is real shit.
Space + Time is a sweet love letter to close out the project. Mack really belts it out here and adds in some melodic ad-libs that make those lines so much better. This song has so many sweet spots, filled with soul, telling a vulnerably honest story of healing.
A standalone single, Aaliyah is the track that garnered our immediate attention. After hearing Joyce Wrice share a snippet of a song that her and Mack had done (still unreleased ☹), the RNB Nerd kicked in. There had to be more to discover. What a blessing this song was, certainly one of the best songs of 2021. Days would pass and it was always in mind. Not sure if this is about the late singer Aaliyah, with lyrics centering around a fragile lover who seems unsure. Mack sounds heavenly next to that guitar and the soft knock, bringing in an anthemic chorus that melts into you. This is a must listen.
Another standalone release, How Many Times, is pure ear candy. Mack defines crooning here, professing lyrics that question what is happening around him, “How many times do I let you in, before I start to lose my mind?” and “How many years do I have to give, before I lose my sense of time?”. Through his singing, you can feel the aching that comes with needing to know the answers to these questions. Whether its love or our state of the world, it is all relatable.
We leave you with his latest songs, Open Up (with ESTA) and Seein Ya (DUCKWRTH, Ambré, Jesse Boykins III, ESTA, and Mack Keane). Though sonically these are two different offerings, the theme that we want to highlight here is the range of styles that Mack easily grafts to.
With a colorful collection of music under his belt, the possibilities seem endless for what is to come. Each performance sounds like a man so eager to express and bare his soul. It is only a matter of time before the world takes notice of what Mack is bringing to the table. Do not be late to the party!
