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So Below - Single Review: Close

14 Nov 2017 // A review by Corinne Rutherford

New Zealand's very own enigmatic songbird, Madeline North AKA So Below has released a new single called Close.

An upbeat lively track accompanied by intense poetic lyrics which don’t match. This mismatch of lively instrumentals and dark lyrics gives Close a unique edge and makes saying goodbye slightly less depressing.

No longer living in NZ you can now find Madeline hanging out in the more tropical climes of LA, collaborating with fellow Kiwis, eating garlic bread in an infinity pool, or working on getting to that stage at least.

As I travel around the internet doing my research, I see that one time when asked what her spirit animal is, So Below indicated a sloth, so this self-proclaimed Goth sloth has released an optimistic and catchy number in time to hit our airwaves for summer here in New Zealand (if it ever arrives), this has been touted as a “Smash summer pop anthem” and will certainly get So Below rolling into 2018 on a wave of good vibes.

The more I listen to Close, the more I like it, you can dance to it and it won’t make you feel sad. There is plenty of energy flowing through this track.

Written in LA along with artist Chelsea Jade and Sam McCarthy of Boyboy the track was inspired by the environment around them, which could explain the almost cheery enthusiastic tone of this single.
 

“Speak in greys changing shadows on your face with each mistake hoping it’s not too late.”  Upbeat Goth-Pop with a positive vibe, well worth a listen.


Review written by Corinne Rutherford

 

About So Below

Since making her musical debut with her single Drift and attracting over 100,000 SoundCloud plays in just a few short months, So Below has become the mysterious goth pop chanteuse that everyone can’t stop talking about.

After leaving her native New Zealand, Madeline North began exploring her vocal talents inspired by her new surroundings. Layering heavily processed vocals and harmonies over simple yet dark laptop beats, North began to formulate her style into what would so uniquely become So Below. Wanting to carry on this darker, moodier style of electro-pop, North reached out to fellow Kiwi musicians Aaron Short (The Naked And Famous), Sam McCarthy (Kids Of 88) and Leroy Clampitt (Taste Nasa) to help her produce her demos and ultimately complete what has become her debut self-titled EP.

Having a combined 1 million plays on Spotify, 300,000+ plays on SoundCloud, the support of notable sites such as i-D, HillyDilly and Neon Gold and receiving high rotation on New Zealand radio, So Below is poised to be one of 2017’s artists to watch. Don’t say you weren’t warned…

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for So Below

Releases

II
Year: 2018
Type: EP

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