NewDad - ‘Madra’ Review: A visceral depiction of turmoil, self-destruction and madness
Madra faces the question every band asks. How can we create new self-expression? NewDad flirts with that concept, building a visceral, immersive and emotional debut record. One of the best we’ve heard in a while.
★★★★★★★★★☆
Credit: NewDad 📸
"Cutting off one's nose to spite one's face" is an expression used to describe needlessly self-destructive behaviour to a problem.
That same phrase appears on the front cover of Madra, NewDad’s debut. Perhaps the depiction is more symbolic to the band as a whole, than simply this record, as they grapple with an overwhelming thrust of hype and major label backing.
NewDad is possibly the most promising band to rise out of Galway for years. Madra was released via Atlantic Records on 26th January 2024 and brings to life a vivid collection of stories, years in the making. The band comprises Julie Dawson, Cara Joshi, Fiachra Parslow and Sean O'Dowd.
It’s a more-than-confident debut and a stunning glimpse of where they’re heading. The same reasons why we chose not to rush a review. Channelling the dreamy aesthetic of earlier EPs Banshee and Waves, Madra shines a light on their darker side for a much grittier narrative.
It tackles turmoil, madness, disillusion, confusion and self-destruction while appearing as assured as ever. It’s a record that encourages and rewards repeat listens.
NewDad has always been inspired by artists past and present, but never have there been so many present in one place. Sifting through waves of Wolf Alice, Billie Eilish, The Pixies, Echo & The Bunnymen, Men I Trust, New Order and Beabadoobee.
:: Track By Track ::
The record opens with Angel, beginning with a compelling distorted riff, engulfing us in a woozy psychedelia that sets the scene for our journey. ‘You’re sweet, but I’m Sick’ digs us into the rabbit hole, as we begin swirling in NewDad’s dreamy universe. The track packs a punch and doesn’t hold back.
Sickly Sweet doesn't wait around, immediately transitioning with a fuzzy-electric introduction not too dissimilar to Cage The Elephant, before grooving into another remarkable bass line.
Finding the confidence to scream ‘I don’t know where to go’, puts NewDad in the firing line with little care for the outcome on Where I Go. That is until the inner turmoil and confusion seeps in, ‘You made me want to fucking disappear’, turning up the guitars to wash out deeply invasive songwriting. Change My Mind, then expands on the dysfunction with ‘Your eyes look like mine, so, I can see you feel confined’. Much softer affairs, these tracks could easily be singles in their own right.
That self-awareness doesn’t end, either, tackling toxic relationships on Nosebleed. ‘Careless like a father, cruel like a Mother’ is incredibly personal songwriting. It seems like Dawson’s wish back on Where I Go (‘I wish I hadn’t been so open’) is actually her biggest strength.
Let Go and Nightmares create a satisfying combination of alt-rock and shoegaze, that shoots through every one of your senses. Add to that stomping riffs and dark melodies, you feel like the ground beneath you is shaking enough to swallow you whole. And trust us, you’ll want to fall even deeper.
The strongest tracks on the record all appear after the narrative is set. In My Head, Let Go and Nightmares in particular all find strength in incredibly versatile songwriting, melody and instrumentals. Even among the emotionally charged tracks, there are moments of blissful indie-rock nestled away, Dream Of Me being a more optimistic addition.
A consistent theme throughout Madra is NewDad’s unique ability to toy with your thoughts and feelings. But also your impression of the band.
Blue, back in 2020, has most of the same elements that make up the tracks on Madra. Bass-led, soft vocals and dream pop.
On their big debut, NewDad has roiled that dreamy sound with an inky, gloomy and twisted aesthetic. Everything is coated with black paint. As the album unfolds, that darkness spills further. Until the final track, self-titled Madra, when our nose is chiselled and we’re left completely beholden to whatever awaits.
:: Round-Up ::
Madra faces the question every band asks. How can we create self-expression which is new? NewDad flirts with that concept, building their own world. The band choose to steer clear of the sun, and instead dig underground.
Every story on this 11-track album is incredibly visceral, immersive and emotive. Yet, each becomes an anthem in its own right, at times giving you a desirable urge to scream and shout. For reasons only you know.
This has become one of our favourite albums in a long time, and arguably one of the best to come of 2024. We’ve only scratched the surface with NewDad. Whatever is next will be sure to eclipse this gorgeous record, and we’re here for it.
Song Highlights:
Nightmares
Let Go
Where I Go
Now, it’s your turn. Give it a spin, and tell us what you think on Insta or X.
Rating: 9/10
Thank you for reading, why not stick around? 🖤
