A Room with a Door That Closes by Maiya Blaney

Manifestations of frustration always run the risk of appearing vain, impotent, and unintentionally tragic, but art gives us an outlet for meaningful catharsis that lifts the audience out of helplessness. A Room with a Door That Closes by Maiya Blaney reclaims otherwise excess negativity through an impressive variety of aesthetic avenues, appealing to every stage of our confrontation with unmet expectations. From drum and bass to punk rock, from ambient Americana to traditional folk, Blaney seamlessly shifts between styles to match our nonlinear progression from fury to acceptance. At every turn, a relatable, concise lyrical voice matches our internal monologue, giving us a chant to join in with as we part with our own unrealistic standards, learning to make do with the constant road rage of contemporary life. By confronting this distressing and often counterproductive emotion head-on, Blaney encourages us to express our pent-up grievances while simultaneously critically analyzing their origins, putting us on a path to greater acceptance of both ourselves and the world.