Step into the Misoverse: Miso Extra's 'Earcandy' is here

Miso Extra's debut album 'Earcandy', released via Transgressive Records, is a project that defies boundaries and sets herself apart as a true innovator within the music scene.

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'Love Train' brings about an immediate fusion of sound that hooks the listener from the very beginning, serving up a blend of infectious melodies and kitsch production elements that act as an irresistible earworm. The layering of sounds feels dynamic and fresh and allows her vocals on lines like 'how do I fall in love' to slot in perfectly in a way that gives the track a tranquil, yet simultaneously lively feel to it. You can feel the give and take between all of the elements Miso has incorporated, and its result is soothing yet it gives you a burst of energy and it keeps it fresh. It sets the tone for a really strong start to this collection of tracks.

'POP!' embodies every part of the word bubblegum within this track and it captures an undeniably catchy essence. There is something so endearing about Miso's voice in this one, with playful lyrics like 'you're my recipe / I just wanna squeeze you til you pop'. The track set out to be a 'sugar fueled take on the pop genre', and she has certainly succeeded as this is a memorable tune with a bite to it, considering the lyrics assertively express her desires. Bursting with energy, this is a guaranteed hit for anyone with a sweet spot for upbeat pop. It is the ultimate treat to indulge in time and time again. Contrasting in sound from the opening track, we are already seeing the layers of Miso being pulled back and how she has crafted her inner thoughts. Dare we say, Peach PRC should cover this - stat!

The music video for 'Good Kisses'

Every track within this project transports you to a different space within the 'Misoverse', all unified by her mesmerising voice that effortlessly floats across each soundscape. There is a fluidity in how Miso shifts between genres, yet her voice remains consistently magnetic, seen here in 'Good Kisses' as she leans into more of an R&B influence. Lyrics like 'you're my sweet escape' feel like Miso has been struck by Cupid's arrow, overflowing with the spell of romance, yet the track builds to a place where you can feel the underlying tension that has presented, where perhaps this adoration has turned sour, or in her words, 'it's gone bad'. It may sound lovey, but this is certainly written from a place of upset, resistance, and ultimately, missing someone. Miso's multilingual approach to her songwriting stands out as a unique listening experience as she blends her worlds seamlessly. Her overall production is clean and distinct, yet layered in a way that makes it intoxicating, and addictive. The bridge, in particular, feels heavenly, and makes you want to hit replay to catch every detail and nuance you might have missed during the previous run.

'Certified' simply exudes confidence from its opening beat. Lyrics like 'just wanna have fun, is that a crime?' and 'you might regret it if you let me go' are unapologetic and remind both herself and the listener to remember exactly who you are. This track is raw, and provocative with lines like 'I'm one in a million' and 'you just don't get it / I'll let you know' - hinting at a dynamic where the song's subject does not -- or chooses not to -- recognise what is standing in front of them. Here, it feels like there is frustration that becomes overridden with empowerment, as though they are hit with an ultimatum. Either catch on to the feelings being shown and provide reciprocation, or you lose the chance, maybe never even deserving it in the first place. Miso doubles down on this idea, saying 'I'm not one to ride fast, you're safe in these hands', reinforcing the idea that she is not to be taken for granted. It's a mantra of self-assurance but holds space for the art of seduction. Sonically, this is a guaranteed floor-filler. It is easy to imagine a future collaboration with Rose Gray based on this, and later tracks on the record, as their signature styles would compliment each other perfectly.

all photos via Instagram: @misoextra

Miso Extra knows how to assert herself effortlessly within a track, and 'Playboi' is a great example. The line 'don't touch me 'cause this ain't yours / you know you are a playboi' sets the tone immediately, establishing boundaries with a sharp edge. The overall record allows the production to hold weight in its own right, and here, her voice almost becomes at one with it - they merge seamlessly, and it is hypnotic. The way the vocals and sound intertwine is magnetic and you really do get wrapped up in it, something Miso pulls off every time. The lyrics touch on the frustration felt when you are thrown into the whirlwind of dealing with someone inconsistent, unclear, and unreliable. Miso calls out lines like 'they only message you at night time', 'borderline sociopathic', and 'always finishes first', but ends up questioning 'what's a girl to do?'. This is truly an anthem for those simply fed up with empty excuses and patterns of behaviour that leave much to be desired but also acknowledging, maybe admitting, that it can be easy to get caught up in it.

This album touches on moments that Miso has felt regretful over, and shows how she has chosen to face them head on and grow. 'Done.' stems from the idea of reclaiming your space, setting boundaries against things you have perhaps entertained in the past to never go back there again. 'Mistake, keep you far far away' captures this moment of growth over regressing backward and slipping back into certain routines that became patterns previously. When someone cannot give you what you need, there is true strength and resilience in choosing yourself, which Miso has explored within this track.

'Moshi Moshi (interlude)' then serves as a perfect bridge to intertwine all of these ideas across the album. The inclusion of the voice note feels intentional and intimate as an ode to a loved one. The depth that Miso has conveyed proves that an interlude can be rich and evocative, and is a vital and integral part of this debut record, it is moments like this that ground the project and make it feel real, entirely Miso's experiences.

As the album progresses and you become fully immersed in Miso’s sound, it feels like it only gets better. 'Ghostly' stands out as a clear highlight, bringing back her glossy vocals, laced with reverb. The music video accompanying the track only enhances the experience, showing how the audio and visuals can work in tandem together to elevate the cohesive, immersive universe she has crafted. It’s a perfect example of how Miso’s artistic vision goes beyond just the music, she is a well-rounded creative that does not limit herself. This is to be said for her choice of genre too. She truly has the potential to break into the mainstream without sacrificing her unique identity. It is no wonder that The Guardian has spotlighted her as ‘One to Watch’. Her music embodies a blend of fluidity, spontaneity, and an instinctive mind that makes every decision so thoughtfully executed.

‘Ear Candy’ offers the most human moments of all the tracks on the album. The line 'I’m just so glad that you’re still here with me today'  feels genuinely heartfelt. Positioned perfectly at the end of the record, it is as though Miso is giving us a rare glimpse into the person behind the vocal effects and layered production. Its comparably stripped-back approach reflects on mistakes and the journey to this point, capturing a tender sense of gratitude and growth. The track’s abrupt ending is striking, leaving us with Miso’s final thoughts from the studio session. It doesn’t feel polished or overly produced, just a fleeting dip into her mind. There is something perfectly imperfect about how it concludes, reminding us that this is her story and that we can pick it back up whenever she is ready to share more. Miso’s unique sound undoubtedly sets her apart from the crowd. She has this effortlessly clean approach to every part of this project, creating an audio masterpiece that works both as a cohesive body of work and as individual tracks. It is the kind of album you can lose yourself in, melting into every second and emerging feeling like you have experienced something special.

With such a sophisticated and enthralling debut, Miso Extra is undeniably destined for greatness. This album proves she’s not just an emerging talent but a visionary artist. Her aim of becoming a musical role model that she lacked growing up shines through entirely. She has shown that you do not have to compromise who you are or where you come from to make music that resonates. Miso’s work is a true representation of her soul, unapologetically authentic and beautifully nuanced. It is a soundtrack to embracing your roots and making them your own. She is sure to inspire a new wave of up-and-coming creatives.