Between binge-watching anime and diving deep into emo playlists, MARCIN VIIVIIVII and MXRY JXNE found their sweet spot. Their debut EP “Main Character Syndrome,” dropped March 7, 2025, through VII EYES, feels like scrolling through Crunchyroll while blasting emo rap classics. The five-track project might run just under 15 minutes, but these “elder emos” pack enough feelings, flows, and anime references to fill a whole season.
What makes this release particularly intriguing is the creative dynamic between two artists who came to music from distinctly different paths. Marcin Viiviivii, who’s been crafting rap music since 2012, brings years of experience to the table. Meanwhile, MXRY JXNE, who only stepped into the music scene in 2024, offers a fresh perspective. Together, they’ve dubbed themselves “elder emos,” a playful nod to their musical roots that shines through in both their sound and artistic vision.
The EP’s anime-inspired cover artwork isn’t just for show – it’s a genuine reflection of the duo’s deep connection to Japanese animation culture. This influence runs throughout the project, perhaps most evidently on the standout track “Sukuna.” Named after the formidable antagonist from “Jujutsu Kaisen,” the song builds introspective lyrics like “I wanna blame this demon that’s inside of me” into a narrative that cleverly mirrors its namesake’s themes.
Production quality stands as one of the EP’s strongest assets, with the closing track “Our Time” serving as a prime example. Here, Marcin Viiviivii’s polished flow blends naturally with MXRY JXNE’s distinctive vocals, all enhanced by sophisticated production choices and carefully layered vocal effects. The result feels both technically accomplished and emotionally authentic.
When discussing their influences, the pair cites Lil Peep and My Chemical Romance – artists known for tackling heavy themes like depression and self-hatred head-on. This inspiration shows in their approach to songwriting, as they explore everything from heartbreak to finding love while battling personal demons. “We want listeners to feel an emotional connection,” the duo explains, emphasizing their commitment to authentic expression.
The project’s tracklist – “Say I’m Crazy,” “Sukuna,” “Stray Dogs,” “Razorblades as Lipstick,” and “Our Time” – reads like chapters in a personal journal, each song adding depth to the EP’s exploration of identity and self-perception. The title “Main Character Syndrome” itself feels particularly apt, nodding to both anime tropes and the intensely personal nature of their songwriting.
The EP is available now on Spotify, with additional streaming options on Apple Music and YouTube Music. At its heart, “Main Character Syndrome” feels like the perfect mashup of late-night anime binges and classic emo playlists. MARCIN VIIVIIVII and MXRY JXNE have created something that hits different – mixing heartfelt emo rap confessions with clever anime references that’ll make fans smile. It’s the kind of EP that proves you can take your demons seriously while still having fun with the music, and these self-proclaimed “elder emos” seem to have found their perfect creative match in each other.
