Ball of Wax 70 Songs: Nic Masangkay – “Star”

Nic Masangkay‘s contribution to Ball of Wax 70 is a compelling slice of dark electronic pop that plumbs the depths of heartbreak and lost love, and returns to the surface as a gleaming star. As Nic pivots seamlessly between the floating melodic hook and the rapid-fire delivery of each verse, the song feels by turns mournful and defiant, perfectly reflecting the whipsawing emotions of any loss. As always, Nic’s vocal range and raw, honest lyrics are the centerpiece here, but their songwriting and production are top-notch as well. The inexorable pulse of the kick drum carries us through as layers of synth and other sounds phase in and out in response to the melody, resulting in a moody soundscape that grabs your attention and keeps it until the last notes fade out.