Nearly two years after their last EP, Galway's NewDad has finally unveiled their highly anticipated full-length debut, marking a significant milestone in their evolving sound. Despite the initial hype that has since waned, the band's foray into the realm of shoegaze with their latest offering, 'Madra', presents a mixed bag of results. The album's most compelling moments are arguably tucked away in its latter half, particularly with tracks like 'Let Go', which bursts into life with a striking blend of Julie Dawson's ethereal vocals and jarring guitar work, and 'White Ribbons', that envelops Dawson's gentle whispers. The finale, the eponymous 'Madra', concludes the album on a high note with its beautifully complex arrangement.
However, this delayed gratification might not be enough to recapture the lost momentum. The album's earlier tracks seem to struggle with balance, oscillating between being overly intricate and overly simplistic. An attempt at a more straightforward presentation, especially with Dawson's vocals at the forefront, inadvertently highlights certain shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Tracks like 'In My Head' and 'Sickly Sweet' flirt with the breezy grunge-pop reminiscent of Beabadoobee but fall short of commitment, whereas 'Where I Go' and 'Angel' lack the dynamic contrast that could have elevated them, despite hints of Wolf Alice's introspective charm.
While 'Madra' might not fully encapsulate the initial promise NewDad showed, it's clear that their true potential may yet shine through in live performances, where the raw energy and immediacy of their music can truly be appreciated. The debut is a testament to the band's willingness to experiment and grow, even if it means not every risk results in reward.
