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‘Shadow on my Light’

On Aug. 16, Maddy Kirgo released her debut album “Shadow on My Light.” The project was written by Kirgo, and produced by her, Nick Corson and Duncan Troast. The album combines dream pop and swampy Americana, showcasing Kirgo’s New Orleans roots. Kirgo is signed by Gar Hole Records, an Arkansas-based record label that primarily signs artists who play what they call “Un-Americana” music.

The opening track is “Spare,” which was released as a single on July 11, 2024. The track leans heavily into the dream pop genre. The song is very much in the style of Weyes Blood with a distinct New Orleans twist to it. “Spare” is about a relationship that changed but not for the worst, a love that is different but still good, and the fear of the change is the song’s focus, with lyrics reassuring that it is all fine.

The next track is “Crush,” which is probably my favorite album song. The song showcases Kirgo’s witty lyricism with lyrics that break the fourth wall, such as, “There’s something going on outside of this song.” The song is about Kirgo having a crush on a girl but not wanting to admit it. The whole song is about how much she is in love with her. Kirgo says her heart will be okay if it’s just lust but if it’s love, she will need some blue. I admittedly have no idea what “blue” is supposed to represent, but we, as the listener, know that she will require whatever it is. Overall, it is a very wholesome song about a girl who just doesn’t have the courage to act on a crush.

“Beautiful Babe” is a classic dream pop love song with some country twang mixed in. The lyrics are about backing up your love and defending them. I am personally a big fan of the lyrics of this song. It repeats the beautiful, dreamy hook and the line, “If a tear hits the ground and no one is around, does it make a sound?” Kirgo alludes to the classic phrase but puts her romantic twist on it.

“Cowboy In A Frame” is the shortest track on the album but one of the sweetest songs. It is about a photo of her partner that she keeps hanging up, although her friends might make fun of her for it. Kirgo continues with heartsick lyricism but reassures the audience that the love will never go. 

“Try Harder” was Kirgo’s first single off the album and music video. This song likely alludes to depression as her “summer feeling” went away. The song goes through the process of trying to feel better. This track is one of the more somber ones, and ties into the feeling of depression. But by the end of the song, she gets more into her pop sound and tells us that the summer feeling is on the mend.

The B-side ties well into the A-side. My highlights from the B-side are “Midnight Flight” and “Happy Wife/Happy Life.,” “Midnight Flight” was the last single to be released off the album and also delivers the lyrics that give the album its name. It is about wanting to be your partner’s go-to for comfort and help, and how Kirgo seeks that. The rest of the B-Side is rather sad, specifically “Stranger Over Me,” which deals with an abusive, wrecked relationship. Throughout the song, Kirgo is trying to understand where things went wrong, and why her partner would choose a stranger over her.

Finally, “Happy Wife/ Happy Life,” it is a bittersweet ending to the album. The track is almost a waltz in its style and encompasses all of Kirgo’s style, a great way to conclude her album.

Overall, this album is a great introduction to the young artist, showcasing her talents in both vocals and lyrics. She adds to the growing subgenre of dream pop while keeping in touch with her roots in New Orleans. This is a must-listen for anyone looking for indie artists who delve more into pop sound.

8/10 Album


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