ALBUM REVIEW: NewDad – MADRA

a patient record, unfurling before the listener into an expansive and immersive sonic experience

Arriving to us from Galway, on a wave of hype from indie and rock publications, is the four-piece NewDad. After two EPs and a signing by Atlantic Records, the band have now delivered their debut full-length, ‘MADRA’. Whilst nothing revolutionary, this is a solid release that is certain to find a strong footing in the indie scene.

The band have worked hard at crafting a signature sound, which acts as one of the strongest aspects of this album. At times soaked with dreamy post-rock ambience, at other times constructed with repetitive, claustrophobic waves of shoegaze, ‘MADRA’ is a patient record, unfurling before the listener into an expansive and immersive sonic experience.

The crunching opener of ‘Angel’ sets the album off to a powerful start, with punchy riffs set against steady, unrepentant percussion. Vocalist Julie Dawson delivers deeply evocative bars such as ‘But I don’t want you to drown inside me/It’s not fair to be your responsibility’ in a wonderful display of melancholy. Her vocals here, and throughout, possess an irreverent smokiness, hovering just above the oft swirling abyss of the instrumentals.

’Nightmares’ almost possesses something of a new wave pulse to it, with gently thumping electronics laying the foundations to a subtly catchy indie pop banger. Dawson‘s melodies here are simple, yet captivating, her lyricism once again painting a picture of a love she so desperately wishes to remove herself from. Following this, ‘White Ribbons’ lifts the listener up with its almost whimsical nature, before sending them crashing back to earth with the brooding anthem that is ‘Madra’; there’s a real grit underneath all of the dreamy soundscapes, and it’s an absolute delight when that darkness manifests sonically.

However, it is unfortunate that this album loses so much momentum throughout its midsection. Too often do the tracks between ‘Where I Go’ and ‘Dream of Me’ blur together as if a hazy dream. Certainly, none of it is unpleasant; NewDad is composed of evidently very talented musicians. Yet nothing really stands out or pushes the album in a direction that is at all remarkably interesting.
For those who enjoy NewDad’s dreamy ‘slowfi’ brand of indie, then this will be no flaw whatsoever. Yet for those who are seeking diversity and a little more momentum in sound, ‘MADRA’ may end up feeling a little disengaging to listen to, and that is a real shame.

However, to call ‘MADRA’ a bad record would be wholly incorrect. There are vastly worse debut efforts out there, and what NewDad have created not only is guaranteed to appeal to indie connoisseurs, but has some genuinely interesting and exciting moments that are indicative of a band that has some real raw talent. A good record, but it’s easy to believe that, with a little more ambition, NewDad could one day make a great record.

RATING: 73/100 – Good

For Fans Of: Slowdive, The Cure, Hydromag, Beach House, Cocteau Twins, girl in red

Physical copies of the album are available to purchase here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify // Twitter