As far as I can tell, Madilina isn’t a big fan of social media. She has no public profile on IG or X (as far as I can see). How about Bandcamp? Nope. Surely there’s a Spotify bio? ‘Fraid not.
It can make it easier to have loads of background info, but in some ways it’s actually quite nice to go into a review almost completely blind – without any baggage or expectations.
I’m only mentioning this in case you were wondering why I have not provided any context for Madilina’s new single ‘mars’.
We are going to let the music do 100% of the work here…
A lop-sided rhythm guitar is joined by Madilina’s smooth, sultry vocal. It’s all a little jazzy to start. Nice.
The drums arrive with a minimalist touch, but their explosive sound is the backbone of the song. Needle-like notes from the guitar pierce like arrows through silk.
The track builds and builds, with a soaring melody full of drama. When it does settle down it’s really funky and soulful. Madilina’s vocals have an earthy tone, and some well chosen FX give it a subtle lift.
“Maybe on Mars they feel blue
And somehow the stars see right through
I’ll keep marching on
Like you told me to”
‘mars’ is wonderfully hard to categorise – is it rock? Soul? R&B? Pop? Jazz? It doesn’t matter, because it’s beautifully atmospheric and fantastically melodic.
This looks like it’s only the 4th single from Madilina, and it’s an ambitious, cinematic song that feels otherworldly – you just have to sit back and let it invade your heart.
Written by Grubby
