I had the best time at Book Club’s album release party earlier this month and was completely fascinated with Madeline and The White Flag band who supported her.  Madeline definitely has an old soul with a delicate voice and the gentleness of soft picking on her electric guitar.  She seemed very pixie-like standing on her tiptoes to reach the microphone and sing bold notes as she intently stared into the audience.  Madeline’s band was just as amazing with a drummer that was highly animated and entertaining even when the songs where more mellow.  Make sure to catch Madeline play at 529 late September.

Madeline’s album “Black Velvet” is a culmination of all the live elements that I loved and since the show I haven’t been able to pull myself away.   I would consider this album a great mix of psychedelic folk rock but some of the songs are more sweet and upbeat including “Hurry up Pronto” and “Please Don’t Put Me Down”.  The recording on ‘Black Velvet’ that I am most drawn to is “Red Light Bulb” where Madeline chants these words so forceful it’s intimidating and moving. “Gather the Feathers” is another favorite that is also darker in tone and lyrics.  I can feel the emotion radiating from Madeline’s voice in these songs and it is a powerful experience.  There are also mellow tunes like “I Miss My Friend” that makes you feel nostalgia for old acquaintances; something I can definitely relate to.  The song that I was the most surprised by was titled “Johnny Cash”.  Any song named after the legend himself I knew I would instantly love and it’s written beautifully.  If you appreciate new music that is clearly influenced by the past I recommend Madeline’s ‘Black Velvet’.