MADM
MADM
(Independent)

MADM is the moniker used by Indian songstress, Sanjana Rajnarayan. The flurry voiced singer from up and coming music magnet Chennai, India uses her breathy, sexy, and siren-like voice to pull you into her landscape.

MADM’s self-titled debut is exotic, but almost Victorian-like in a Sade kind of way. With production from fellow Chennai duo, Sapta, MADM spins a record that is equal parts heartache, equal parts dream. MADM requires your undivided attention and respect luring you into a labyrinth of beats, arpeggios, and blurry sound.

Album opener “Mother and Caroline” begins with an abstract chant that opens to a minimal beat with MADM’s voice taking center stage with an ethereal and tinny core. “Straight Up” continues with an unforgettable chorus and wavelength thought pattern. “What Are You On” offers a schizophrenic and uncomfortable beat with MADM’s voice offering a gateway to peace. “Cigarettes” is easily the most uplifting song on the record that will leave the listener in a state of euphoria. “Don’t Be a Fool” has a well placed, and hard, brass sound that parallels MADM’s fluid voice.

The way MADM has crafted the record is something to hold onto as well. The album is only 7 songs, but feels as if each one is a small microcosm of herself. It runs a lot longer than it than you would expect, and maybe that is the point. MADM is onto something and you should get familiar.