Magi Merlin is back, and if “SpiceKick” is any indication, she’s not here to play nice.

The Montreal artist just leveled up her signature “Broken R&B” sound, dropping a track that feels less like a single and more like a high-speed chase. It’s the first taste of her upcoming debut album, POWER HOUSE (dropping July 10 via Bonsound), and it proves that Merlin is one of the most unpredictable voices in indie music right now.

The Vibe: Raw, Restless, and Real

Collaborating once again with Funkywhat, Merlin has crafted something that feels beautifully chaotic. “SpiceKick” isn’t interested in being background music. It’s built on clipped percussion and twitchy, electronic pulses that constantly shift underneath her vocals.

One minute she’s giving you a soulful, velvet delivery; the next, she’s hitting you with a punk-infused grit that feels like it’s coming from a basement show rather than a studio.

“The Mask Slips”

While the energy is peak “main character energy,” Magi is quick to point out that there’s a bit of a facade at play. She describes the song as an ode to the ego—that delicate line where self-confidence turns into something a bit more toxic.

“SpiceKick is a kind of façade… The mask slips at the end when I tell the listener to save themselves from me.”

It’s that level of self-awareness that sets her apart. She’s giving you the anthem, but she’s also showing you the cracks in the armor.

More Than Just Music

The music video—directed by Félicie Diaz and Noshirt—is a must-watch. It’s tight, physical, and carries a punk aesthetic that matches the track’s frantic heartbeat. It’s clear that Merlin isn’t just releasing songs; she’s building a whole visual universe.

Mark Your Calendars

If you’re looking to catch this energy live, Magi Merlin is hitting the festival circuit hard this summer:

• June 26: Un singe en été (Mayenne, FR)

• July 10: POWER HOUSE Album Release

• July 17: Dour Festival (Dour, BE)

“SpiceKick” is out now on all streaming platforms. If your current playlist feels a little too safe, this is the remedy.