Canadian-based singer-songwriter Maddisun (Maddison Keiver) has carved a space for herself in mountain-made folk rock ‘n roll and confessional lyricism.
With her third album, The Pages, hitting streaming this past Thursday October 2nd, she carries on similar messaging as her previous releases, such as love, loss, redemption, growth, and resilience. The emotional journey allows the album to feel like opening an intimate journal.
With the title track opening the album, “The Pages” reminisces about life and moving through the chapters of existence. It’s also about delay, as throughout the song, the narrator tries to tell the story, but their memories and outside factors are making the process difficult.
The acoustic indie folk style suits the emotions of the lyrics, which the softer approach allows to come through the track clearly, as well as the music video visuals. The main focus is on Maddisun serenading with her guitar in front of a beautiful landscape of pine trees and mountains, establishing a connection between, life, music, and nature.
Something that Maddisun doesn’t shy away from is commentary on music labels and the process of losing oneself to achieve more in the music industry. In her song “Running” from the 2022 album Home Is Where The Music Is, she compares the struggle of climbing a mountain to the struggle of an artist trying to navigate through the good and bad of the industry, something that the fifth song of The Pages mentions as well.
“Get Through” has a similar approach, but broadens the meaning to other dreams and aspirations as well. The song in this case isn’t super specific, though the message is relevant to most listeners. It’s a song of defiance against the pressure of various industries. It’s a slow burn of a track, showcasing Maddisun’s strong signature vocal range.
Another notable track, “Amber,” highlights others wanting to find out who the character is, but it is difficult because of avoidance. The lyrics in the track show the change of time that’s happening with the mentions of the sun, and possesses a fierce 90s alt-rock energy that sticks.
Wrapping up the final song is “To Heal,” which has Maddisun singing about instances of trauma and turmoil while she was seventeen. The chorus and second verse have her acknowledging this, stating that she’s slowly working on herself, and that her journey takes patience. It’s a very vulnerable and real track, ending things on a tender note. It sounds like a well-rounded recap of every aspect of the other eleven songs.
Within its themes of growth, struggle, and healing, The Pages is less of a record and more of a relatable personal journey that Maddisun put into song for others to also take refuge in.
As an artist who loves physical media from her indie space, Maddisun had physical vinyl available months before any release on streaming platforms. She has her official album release show on October 25th at The Key City Theatre in Cranbrook, BC.
Photo by Justin Friesen
