A few months ago, Montreal‑based artist Magi Merlin released the single “So Smart,” offering an early preview of her upcoming album POWER HOUSE, which was released this past Friday. While the record may have been eclipsed by larger releases, it remains a rewarding listen, particularly for those seeking funky, chrome‑finished R&B to accompany a relaxed Sunday.
The 12‑track project showcases Merlin’s soulful vocals, steampunk‑infused R&B, and atmospheric trip‑hop, with co‑writer and collaborator Funkywhat. Her silver‑toned voice glides over a production that is both bubbling and volcanic, blending fluidity with explosive energy and pairing raw desire with futuristic textures.
She sings “Sin keeps crawling on my focus” on the slinky standout “Crawl.” The following track, “Pixxxie,” pushes that lust into more intoxicating and conflicted territory: “Make me your pretty god, Lord / Love staring at me / Wait, um, stop / No, keep going.” Another highlight is “Salt,” a glitched‑out vocal collage that feels sublimely fragmented, sounding like a new life form learning to walk. Throughout, POWER HOUSE strikes a compelling balance between the unexpected, the immediately catchy, and the emotional complexities trapped beneath the surface.
POWER HOUSE is a record I hope you listen to and come out the other end feeling like you are the strongest person because you are, we all are. No matter how stupid and frustrating we can all be I hold the belief that contradiction does not beget moral failing. it is simply a quality of being a human. And if we can exist here together knowing we can be the worst people on earth doing the shittiest things we can also be the best people on earth, creating a safe place to exist for ALL of us. I want you to listen to the music and feel every ounce of energy that you have (which is unlimited btw) and remeber you don’t have to take shit just because.. you can do literally wtvr**** the fuck YOU WANT BITCH. SO DO IT.
Listen to the album below.