Melanie Martinez is reborn in the first look of their new album ‘Portals’
The alt-pop sensation is set to release their third album, the first in four years.
Photo: Stephanie Pia
Melanie Martinez (she/they) is back with her first album in four years, Portals. Announcing the so-called death of her Crybaby character, Martinez teased something bigger coming to their socials. Later on, a teaser trailer would drop and reveal the new era ahead. Buckle up, crybabies.
Portals is Martinez’s third album, following the successful debut Cry Baby and its follow-up K-12. K-12 was a visual album; directed by Martinez, following their Crybaby character as she grows up. A commercial and critical success, she successfully avoided the dreaded sophomore slump. Portals is their latest release since the 2020 EP After School. The album will follow suit of her taking creative control visually alongside her songs. No companion film has been announced at this time, however, if it exists it would be welcomed with open arms.
The announcement video, directed by Martinez themself, shows a mysterious alien figure emerging from an egg, revealing the new muse of their artistic creation while previewing what’s to come sonically.
It’s a new-age, sci-fi, alternative fantasy aesthetic that appeals to curious minds. The album’s cover art shows this new character at the forefront, complemented by greenery and trippy album text. If there was anyone who could level up on their creativity for the unconventional, Martinez would be up for the task.
A driving force in alt-pop, it’s no surprise that Martinez has a die-hard fan base. Beginning their career on the music reality TV competition show The Voice, they took their chances by releasing a concept album as their debut — a chance that paid off tremendously. With Portals, the presence of a concept album remains; one of rebirth. The concept of rebirth takes on a new shape, one in the form of artistry.
Martinez notes that “Portals screams death is life, is death, is life, is death is life. A continuous loop. A circle.” Perhaps this new persona isn’t meant to last more than one album cycle, or maybe it’s going to be a continuous symbol in her artistry moving forward. Shedding the beloved Cry Baby alter-ego for a new, mysterious one might just be what they need to get to a new height.
Portals will be released on March 31st via Atlantic Records.