ALBUM REVIEW: Two Star & the Dream Police - Mk.gee

Two Star & the Dream Police - Mk.gee

The dream police is alive, and so is music. 

Born and raised in New Jersey, Michael Gordon, better known as Mk.gee (pronounced mc-gee), is known for his magical, signature sound. He also happens to be a USC Thorton alumnus. His debut album Two Star & the Dream Police was released on February 9th, 2024, and let’s just say, each song will scratch an itch you didn’t even know you had. 

With a spirit similar to Dijon’s Absolutely, Two Star & the Dream Police blends genres like indie pop, alternative, and soul. Mk.gee is a man of many talents; he is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Not to mention, the ethereal vibe he’s known for in his production is self-made too. 

This album isn’t the first time Mk.gee has been on the radar. Mk.gee was a crucial collaborator in the production of Absolutely as well as Apolonio by Omar Apollo. Mk.gee released three EPs between 2018 and 2020 that were fantastic solo works, but he has tapped deeper into his creative potential with this debut. 

If you’re anything like me, you have had singles like “Candy,” “How Many Miles,” and “Are You Looking Up” on repeat awaiting this album’s release. There lies a strong, unique, and frankly addicting sound consistent throughout the 12 tracks. “Rylee and I,” stands out as a song with a distinct funk-infused guitar. This album has so much passionate, textured sound that makes it Mk.gee’s most cohesive and impressive project yet. 

As a huge fan of Mk.gee’s “dimeback,” a slow track off 2020’s AMuseum of Contradiction, I was excited to hear some slower-paced songs that struck a similar emotional chord. “Little Bit More” and “I Want” provided the vulnerability I was looking for. The album closes with “Dream Police,” a soft yet catchy track that is a satisfying finish for such an entrancing debut.

Mk.gee recently released tour dates for Two Star & the Dream Police for April and May of this year, and I have marked off my calendar. As cliché as it sounds, listening to this album reminded me of why I love music so much. I had to keep replaying each song because the sound was truly unlike any music I had ever heard. It is safe to say that Mk.gee has set the bar high for 2024 albums and I can’t wait to see what he creates next. 

-DJ JUGNA AKA Julia Johnston