The rock scene is buzzing with excitement as Mattokushi, alias Maxim, gives his debut album, “When Nobody’s Watching.” This 8-track odyssey is an exploration of emotions, crafted during his formative year in London. Born in Samara on November 3, 2006, Maxim’s journey into the world of music began at an early age, fuelled by a family deeply entrenched in rock culture. Influenced by the legendary band KINO, he initially blended rock with rap, but his sound has since evolved into what he describes as Soft Grunge. This album marks a significant milestone in his artistic evolution, showcasing a masterful blend of punk, pop rock, and indie vibes.
“When Nobody’s Watching” hits listeners with a wave of energy and angst. The album starts strong with fast punk rock riffs that set the tone for what’s to come. Mattokushi shows his range throughout, moving smoothly from heavy pop rock to alternative sounds, and winding down with some mellow indie tracks. This genre-hopping journey not only showcases his musical chops but also reflects the ups and downs he experienced while adjusting to life in a new city.
A standout moment on the album is the track “В моей комнате зима,” which serves as a poignant cry from the depths of Mattokushi’s soul. The heavy, distorted guitars and dark solos set the mood perfectly for what Mattokushi’s laying down lyrically. He’s pouring his heart out about long-distance relationships, and man, if you’ve ever been there, you’ll get it. The way he switches between screaming his lungs out and these low, sultry verses keeps you on your toes. It’s brutal, it’s grave, and it’s the spark that lit the fire for this whole album. No wonder it’s a standout – it’s got that special something that makes you sit up and pay attention.
Maxim’s not just a pretty face with a microphone – he’s the real deal. This dude crafted all the beats himself, showing he’s got skills beyond just belting out tunes. And get this – he was recording while juggling college finals. Talk about dedication! That’s the kind of hustle that separates the wannabes from the rock stars.
The lyrical content throughout “When Nobody’s Watching” is deep, tackling heavy themes like love, distance, and hope without getting too cheesy. What’s cool is how he weaves his own experiences into the tracks, making them super relatable. You can’t help but feel connected to the tunes, no matter who you are. Maxim’s not just nailing it with the lyrics, though. The sound he’s crafted is spot-on, with every guitar lick and drum beat perfectly amplifying the emotions he’s pouring out. It’s like the music and words are having this awesome conversation, and we’re all invited to listen in.
In terms of promotion, Mattokushi has smartly used social media platforms, particularly TikTok, to expand his reach. His promotional strategy is paying off, with some videos hitting nearly 300,000 views. This clever marketing approach, combined with lyric videos shot on an old-school VHS camera, adds an interesting dimension to his music. It’s like a blast from the past with a modern twist.
As the album dropped on October 25, 2024, it quickly amassed nearly 10,000 listens within the first two weeks—a clear indication of the growing interest in his music. Dedicated fans on platforms like Telegram and TikTok are already buzzing about what’s next, eagerly anticipating his next move. This kind of fan support is crucial in today’s music scene, and Mattokushi is using it effectively to build a strong base for his career.
Wrapping up, “When Nobody’s Watching” is not another album dropping into the void – it’s Mattokushi laying his soul bare for all to hear. With each track, Mattokushi invites listeners to join him on an emotional rollercoaster, mixing up genres like a mad scientist and pouring his heart out track after track. As he continues to progress and push boundaries, one can only imagine the heights he will reach. For fans of melancholic rock and those seeking a genuine connection through music, Mattokushi’s debut is a must-listen. Can’t wait to see where this young man goes next.