Madison Taylor pays tribute to her rural New Jersey childhood home with poetic debut album, Lady of Arbor Hill.

By Graeme Smith

The title is a play on Tennyson’s poem Lady of Shalott, a character to which Madison finds she relates. In her world, she struggles with unrequited love and always finds paradise just out of reach. It’s this kind of heartache and yearning that’s infused into each of the ten tracks in her debut.

The biblical idea of paradise meets Madison’s real-life experience of her childhood garden in a collection that’s rich with literal and mythical references. Madison truly sets herself apart with her way with words. They are compellingly delivered by her soulful vocals and layered electronic pop instrumentals.

It all starts with the romantic imagery of Milk Chocolate which instantly stirs the emotion thanks to its hypnotic, repeating composition. It pours nicely into Golden Image which livens things with its quirky, funky composition and finger clicking. German Statue shows some early range thanks to its moody, brooding style and percussive textures.

Violet’s Library is an ethereal wonder before the folksy Nostalgic Interlude sets ups Waldeinsamkeit. Opening gently with pensive piano, its descriptive lyrics transport us. Madison’s vocals are at their most vulnerable during an album highlight.

Paint Mine Blue bristles with melancholy through an echoing composition full of a sense of longing. It’s another highlight. The album is then rounded off by the cinematic Snow Kiss, the simmering odyssey of Arbor Hill and ambient finale Hiraeth.

Madison’s debut is an album in which it is easy to get lost. Its lyrics will paint pictures in your mind, while her vocals will enchant you. Add in its varied and atmospheric instrumentals and you have a collection that’s simply flawless. It’s a breath-taking debut, and a candidate for album of the year for me.

Lady of Arbor Hill is out now and you can give it a listen below.