Martinez embodies performance art through ‘portals’ of creative transcendence
Creepy creatures and pastel colors, all colliding with intense elements of gore; Melanie Martinez is not afraid to bring out a shock factor through her music and accompanying videos, a pattern that has continued for the past nine years. Juxtaposed with the spooky visuals are deep lyrics covering topics such as alcoholism, trauma, and more. This pattern, once again, continues in Martinez’s newest album, Portals. Her unique storytelling through music videos follows the journey of a character named Crybaby (to whom she made an album of the same name to introduce this creepy persona). Within this latest release, Crybaby’s story comes to its grand finale.
Martinez has already received an overwhelming amount of love for this album, and fans will agree it was well worth the wait. When artists release new music, they often “rebrand” or change their aesthetic to symbolize a new era to give fans a taste of what’s to come; Martinez follows this trend with a new album and a completely “new” Melanie. Her previous albums had a coquettish and preppy aesthetic which completely contrasts Portals’ fairy-like and ethereal vibe. The Crybaby character, likewise, also experiences a rebrand; it has reincarnated into a pink fleshed, four-eyed creature, with ears similar to an elephant, and puffy, cat-like cheekbones. This unique character is portrayed by Martinez with the help of makeup and special effects. Martinez wears this costume in promotional and music videos, as well as on stage.
Although Portals explores a new realm of spirituality through a drastically different visual appeal, the music itself maintains Martinez’s gothic-pop style. Portals takes listeners to a different dimension, while still being relevant to the realities of everyday life on earth.
Along with this musical journey, Martinez has constantly interacted with fans on social media, giving them, for example, in-depth paragraphs about the deeper meanings behind each song. Within one of the paragraphs, Martinez reveals that all of the songs on her new album are connected by the concept of past life regression. The inspiration for this style came from books about the phase between life and death that people experience when they undergo hypnosis. The complexity behind every lyric Martinez sings makes the long-awaited album well worth the energy and time she spent on it, and the depth of her lyrics forces listeners to think beyond the realities of this lifetime.
Though the majority of listeners have praised the album, there have been a few harsh critiques. Some fans don’t like the idea of Crybaby being “dead” and are already missing the character, specifically their appearance. Many think that Martinez’s new attire and makeup takes away from her previous aesthetic. While yes, it is a new style, her new music still carries through with the creepy yet realistic vibe. Besides, continuing the same never-changing character will eventually bore all viewers. As mentioned before, Martinez is covered in prosthetics and makeup even when she meets fans in order to display the character she created. People feel saddened by this as they wish to see her face in person and witness her human look. Although hate has rained down over this new appearance, Martinez continues to bring her best when it comes to her new music and style.
While all the songs from Portals have received positive feedback, there is one particular title which has stirred up some confusion amongst the fans. “Moon Cycle” is written about menstruation and how blood represents vitality and life. Though the message behind the song has been loved by all, the actual lyrics have disgusted some fans. Many feel as if it doesn't sound like Martinez at all. There has been some speculation that the song could possibly be a diss towards her ex-boyfriend, Oliver Tree, as fans have found similar lyrics between “Moon Cycle” and Tree’s “Revival”. While this theory was never proven true, the song “Evil” was announced to be about a past relationship. The song goes into detail about a toxic relationship and how Martinez currently feels about it. Overall, the songs in Portals not only discuss sensitive topics, but also Melanie’s personal life.
While Portals will satisfy most fan’s hunger for new Melanie Martinez content, some were still wanting more. Luckily, their wishes were granted with the release of Portals (Deluxe Edition) on April 5, featuring three new tracks. Previous to this new edition’s release, Martinez announced that a Portals tour is also on the horizon. The first of 29 shows will be on May 30, 2023 in Denver, Colorado, and the tour will conclude on July 15, 2023 in Montreal, Canada. Fans have speculated that Melanie will exclusively perform songs from Portals on this tour, and therefore do not expect to hear anything from her previous albums. Martinez has also hinted at a second film to pair with their new album, just as she did with her previous album, K-12. However, she is struggling to get the funding, hence, the film is still unconfirmed. Hopefully Portal’s success brings this film to life later in 2024.
A -- Martinez’s creepy aesthetic continues through a spiritual lens, rebranding both her musical style and persona, Crybaby. This new style, despite the sudden change, feels refreshing to hear, leading fans to be excited for what is next to come for the singer.
By Haniya Mecci & Jazmine Blustin
April 24 2023
Oshkosh West Index Volume 119 Issue VII