Jessica Cerro is at the top of her game.
Montaigne uses Complex to shine as an unapologetic storyteller. It’s embedded in toxic environments and self-destructive behaviour but, like all good stories, Montaigne emerges worn but strong – an independent and evolved hero.
It only takes a look at the tracklist to get a sense of the theme of Complex. ‘Losing My Mind’, ‘I am a Clown’, ‘is this all I am good for?’ and ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ set a grueling tone, but Montaigne has an impeccable ability to speak on her past with optimistic hindsight.
‘Complex’ is an exposé on a toxic relationship, telling the story of Montaigne’s own indoctrination and landing firm with the blatant statement: “You have a messiah complex”.
‘Stockholm Syndrome’ is a five-minute epic that keeps you intrigued with brief vocal harmonies and the anchoring “We love each other but it’s Stockholm syndrome”.
‘READY’ offers an energetic and empowering finish to a project filled with the ebbs and flows of human experience.
Complex is filled with diverse styles, lyrics and sounds that taunt multiple listens as you’re drawn in by the story, the dynamic production or simply to hear Montaigne explore her vocal register and control of tone.
8.5
