Madeleine Howard - EP Review: Just Reaching Out
Following the success of her singles No More and Missing Pieces, Madeleine Howard has released her much anticipated debut EP Just Reaching Out. Howard describes the EP as "a long time coming". The collection of songs reflect on different stages of her life from her late teens and early twenties to now.
The EP begins with the charming and nostalgic Missing Pieces, which explores "figuring out" young adult life. Listening again, I remembered how taken I was with the track the first time. It does an excellent job of bottling an era. The second track Reaching Out has elements of Orla Gartland in the tense guitar line and pure vocal performance. The lyrics are nothing short of lovely.
No More takes a step in a heavier direction, starting with eerie vocals and full percussion. Howard pulls back quickly though, leaving the ear craving the fuller sound she delivers in the chorus. No More feels a little more defiant, and the production cleverly plays with this tension. I enjoyed the almost orchestral percussion writing in the verses. Coupled with the indie rock guitar songs, the combination was effective. Song For You is a lovely way to end the EP. It’s an atmospheric piece of writing about waiting for someone to notice you.
Overall, the Just Reaching Out EP is an impressive and varied selection of songs. Howard should be proud of the final product; she shows incredible potential as an artist. I look forward to following her music for years to come.
About Madeleine Howard
Hailing from Hawkes Bay, in 2013, Madeleine was accepted into the University of Otago’s Contemporary Performance Programme. For four years she studied under Lecturers including Dr Graeme Downes (The Verlaines,) Dr Ian Chapman and Nick Hollamby. During her time at university, Madeleine built up a catalogue of her own material, developing a Dunedin-influenced sound, mixed with a classic singer-songwriter vibe.
After relocating to Christchurch, Madeleine is now part of the Artist Development programme at SOLE Music Academy, where she has been developing and recording her music with Sacha Vee and Will McGillivray (nomad.) In the coming months, she will release consecutive singles from her debut EP Just Reaching Out.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Madeleine Howard
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