Maxx Gawd’s fusion of trap and metallic post-hardcore on “Coercion” brings a surprising emotional power and depth to bear in a song about not being able to trust anyone and betraying yourself by pursuing the wrong things. The song is melodramatic but not overwrought and at its core is a desire for having real connection and not fucking yourself over so often through talking yourself into things that part of yourself knows aren’t good for you. The back and forth of male vocals from Maxx Gawd and female from Lil Uwu creates a gripping contrast of perspectives, a dialogue, that illuminates a way out of that mess or at least a glimmer of hope. The production by Rayless and The Venus De Melos’ guitar work sync well to create a dynamic backdrop of melody and atmosphere that perfectly compliments the alternately emotionally charged and ethereal vocals. Fans of The Mars Volta will appreciate the poetry of the lyrics and the authenticity and emotional power of the sentiments expressed as well as the masterful, elegant melding of electronic and rock elements. As the final track on the band’s album Delete Everything the song sounds like it’s drawing to close a time of great personal struggle and coming to a place of catharsis and, in the end, healing, erasing the pain and psychic torture of the past. It is a genre-bending, genre-expanding song that is much more than the aforementioned genre designations. Listen to “Coercion” on Soundcloud and follow Maxx Gawd there as well at the account linked below.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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