Krystal

Profoundly and compellingly in love with Krystal. Such profound work so early-on in his career. Although I have had it in surface-level roation for years, I have come to develop a deeper appreciation for it in this last year. 

I find Matt Maltese's take on indie-pop to be really unique - Men I Trust and Vansire are the only comprable comparisons I can think of sonically, but I don't believe either of them can evoke the emotions that Maltese does. He is so provocative while remaining so mellow - an exceptionally powerful thing. Its almost as if his power lies in the utter gentleness of his songs. Its a softness that is heavy, crushing, and so very sad.

Above all, what makes Maltese stand out is his writing. He has genuinely shown me that men can feel things I did not know they could feel. He camptures enamored, unrequited, 'dog with a bird in its mouth', long-distance, an aching, 'more, please', submission. 

Rom-Com Gone Wrong deserves a feature as one of my most favorite breakup songs. It perfectly captures the ache of a heartbreak (with self-deprication and wit mixed in). The fustration and impossibility of dropping it all. Of walking away. Of watching them walk away. Of the fantastically painful and torturous stories that we tell ourselves about the lives our lovers lead after they leave us. A 10/10 track.