Micki XO has created something that is incredibly contradictory with Power Outage- a song that turns burnout into a euphoric electropop without taking the gravity of what it is talking about. This literary fatigue and musical vitality is not by chance but a conscious artistic decision, providing true escapism and at the same time, recognising the very tangible plight of people who work more than one job, are overwhelmed by media, or just need to make ends meet.
The play is a reflection of what it is about in an intelligent way. That kick drum pounding and scratchy electrical noise evokes an adrenaline pumped up feel that is like running on nothing and yet somehow running anyway. It is propelled by the rampant synths, pushing an active tune that is enticing the body to react, and the tight, hypnotic beat will not allow you to sit back and relax. When such a surprising beat drop comes, throwing the listeners into the explosive ending, it seems like giving and pushing at the same time, the contradiction of burnout itself.
Micki has both emotional quality and hook of the song that does not make the song a clever idea. Her vocal performance realises that euphoria and desperation can even be used interchangeably, particularly when you are completely exhausted and still have to work. The general sound mix is hopeful and serious, and as she describes it, it is a symbol of hope in the darkness, three minutes and sixteen seconds of reprieve that does not deny that there are problems.
The difference with this Portland-based artist is that she is committed to community building as opposed to fan gathering. Power Outage is directly addressed to people who are always stressed, defeated, and tired, and it does not provide any solutions but gives solidarity in the form of danceable beats. It is music that rescues because it holds the truth and offers a small respite- evidenced by the fact that sometimes the bluntest solution to fatigue is to make something that will enable us to continue forward despite all.
