“Florescence” by Maisie Peters (Lilac Edition) Album Review

BY KATHERINE CHUNG

Maisie Peters third studio album, “Florescence” was worth the wait. Each of the 15 tracks represents a different part of her coming-of-age story. This project is filled with nostalgia, freedom, nostalgic references and romance. It feels as though we grew up slowly, and then all at once, right alongside her. 

At the beginning of her album promotions Peters used the iconic British Film, Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging, to announce the album. In the video, she recreated the olive scene, symbolizing the awkwardness of teenhood and embracing quirkiness. It serves as a direct reference to the lyrics from the opening track, “Mary Janes,” a song about accepting what makes you unique, both in life and in relationships.

Oh, I'm not the coolest or the greatest in the club/ It doesn't matter, / oh man, anymore, who gives a fuck? - “Mary Janes”

On the topic of classic and timeless items, the song “Old Fashioned,” pays homage to the old fashioned drink and ther persona of an ex who gave off toxic masculinity vibes. Followed by “Houses,” a song about realizing that some people who once felt like your future may not stay in your life forever, even if their house once felt like home.

In the second half of the album, she references another one of her favorite pieces of media, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a show she spoke about often during her Good Witch era. Now, in her Fluorescence era, the idea of a vampire takes on a more realistic meaning than fantasy or witchcraft, becoming a metaphor for commitment, affection, and staying up with your lover.

Mm / Eye to eye and I won't back down/ You then and me now - “You Then and Me Now” 

Peters closes the project with a track that feels like the final chapter of her coming-of-age story. “Nothing Like Being In Love” serves as a self-explanatory epilogue to the love story that has blossomed throughout her 20s, ending the album on a note of warmth and fulfillment. And just days after its release, fans were treated to two additional tracks that they can purchase on Apple Music, a reminder of the depth of this era. With Peters revealing that she wrote over 60 songs for the album, tracks like “Charlotte’s Web” and “Carried Away” show that there are still more corners of this story left to explore.