In Mallrat’s vision of the world, light is more than photons and electromagnetic radiation hitting the eye — it’s a moment of divine intervention.

A bold swerve into the metaphysical, this is the premise of the prized Brisbane-born, LA-based pop songwriter and producer’s 2025 sophomore album, Light hit my face like a straight right. Set against a newly informed backdrop of expressive breakbeats and dance music, its 12 songs explore the intangible and mysterious allure of human connection, held together by curious investigations into light — “the closest thing to a concept this album has,” Mallrat says. After years of solidifying herself as a master of well-crafted, timeless pop — fielding recognition from New York Times, NYLON, Teen Vogue, Billboard, The FADER, NPR, and more — it’s a step into the art of world-building, bolstered by her intuitive songwriting and clever, studied production.

She started work on the album in 2022, shortly after the release of Butterfly Blue, her acclaimed debut that spawned wishlist collaborations with artists like Azaelia Banks and an unexpected mega-hit in the form of the album’s streaking intro “Wish On An Eyelash” (later remixed by The Chainsmokers). With over a half billion streams and appearances on late-night television and sold-out tours for Maggie Rogers and Post Malone, Mallrat already knows how to craft compelling music that speaks to millions. Compared to the intimate exuberance of her previous pop output, Light hit my face like a straight right is a much tighter and more cohesive artist’s statement that showcases her ever-expanding suite of skills and instincts as an artist.