Review: Mick Mayer brings a delightfully vulnerable recollection of self-acceptance to soft rock reinventing himself with his 'debut album', “Moonflower.”

Mick Mayer brings a delightfully vulnerable recollection of self-acceptance to soft rock in the debut album, “Moonflower.” A story succinctly captured in 10 tracks, “Moonflower” is the perfect lead into Mayer’s world, showcasing a range of tracks with ease and groove-ability alongside lyrics that tackle everything from sexuality and the nature of love to turning down blow and Bacardi for the sake of a night in with a glass of wine (please see: Lazy, by Mick Mayer.) “Moonflower” is an album that is sure to soothe the hearts of the highly imaginative and deeply empathetic listeners. 

“You Deserve the Praise” opens the record with notable drums and organ, signifying a religious motif that continues throughout. Sonically, listeners will notice a hint of the 70’s that carries from song-to-song in both sound and spirit, as nature, freedom, and religious references are central throughout the album’s arc. Where Jojo Siwa hilariously tried to coin herself a pioneer of Gay Pop, Mayer wins my vote for Best Gay Yacht Rock. Every song has an element of rhythm and ease but is paired with lyricism that is poignant and highly personal. Though a joy to listen and groove to, the work definitely stands out thanks to its clever writing and storytelling.

“You Deserve the Praise” uses religious language to celebrate and honor homosexuality by painting clever pictures, an example of this being the second verse reference to the Biblical creation story, “lead me right into temptation with your snake, with your apples, and I’ll swallow it like ‘hallowed be thy name,’ if this fruit is so forbidden, why’s it taste like heaven?” In the track immediately following, Mayer continues to twist twisted words in favor of the least of these, to continue the church talk. “Little Pansy” is a track that has played on repeat in my Spotify library since my first listen. It takes a writer with not only wit, but also incredible grace, to turn derogatory name-calling into a soft and touching anthem. “All fairies do is fly through their lies,” he sings backed by heavenly harmonies. 

Photo: Sam Kapoor

Mick Mayer comes stocked with lovely ballads like the title track, “Moonflower” and “I Don’t Care,” in addition to highly dance-able tunes like “Lazy” and “Always Welcome.” The earthy, nature-centric language acts as a common thread regardless of where a particular song may take you, tying the individual works together to examine the spiritual, natural inclinations of a human on the search for love and wholeness. “They might think my love is strange, but when I’m in your arms it feels right as rain,” Mayer sings in “I Don’t Care.” What a tribute to the space for growth and acceptance that the artist cultivates in just 10 songs.

Having been in attendance of “Moonflower’s” album release show at The Earl in Atlanta, I can attest that the joy and light Mick Mayer exudes onstage is ever-present in this recording. As it continues to reach new ears, I pray that these songs might meet the hearts of those who are in search of their messages. If there is a capital-G-God out there, I can only assume it must be their will that music would continue to empower its consumers and inspire love without bounds; that art would continue to probe and uplift that we may remind each other, as Mick says, that “you’re always welcome” exactly as you are.