Maddisun is a Canadian indie artist hailing from the mountains of British Columbia. Her sound blends soulful songwriter-folk, rootsy rock, and vintage textures. With her new album The Pages, she’s reached a turning point – not only musically but also in how she’s choosing to release her music.
The album opens with the title track The Pages, evoking the best of breezy folk rock – a genre popularized by the likes of Fleetwood Mac. This song leans more toward the pop end of the spectrum and showcases the album’s strengths: Maddisun’s powerful vocals, catchy melodies, and a warm, mellow melancholy that feels effortlessly chill.
The follow-up track Pumpkin Pie leans more into classic North American singer-songwriter territory. It’s steeped in a gentle country influence – while that’s not typically my cup of tea, Maddisun’s vocals remain steady and convincing. Next comes Like A Rock, which dives into a more sorrowful tone – a space where Maddisun truly shines. Her voice carries a deep emotional weight, and this ballad shows it well. I especially appreciate how the song gradually builds in intensity, culminating in an epic, sweeping finale that once again brings Fleetwood Mac to mind.
My personal favorite is the upbeat Good Plan – a track bursting with energy, an infectious vocal hook, and undeniable hit potential. Get Through delivers an emotive chorus supported by lovely backing vocals, while Open Door, a piano-driven ballad closing out the album’s first half, feels both intimate and grand, echoing the emotional sophistication of Elton John’s early work.
What truly sets The Pages apart is its release format. The full album is not available on streaming services. Especially in light of the growing artist exodus from Spotify, this decision feels timely and positive. Instead, the complete record is offered on physical formats (vinyl, CD, cassette) and as a digital download via Bandcamp.
“I wanted this release to feel special, intentional, and tactile,” says Maddisun. “Streaming is convenient, but it often flattens the experience. I want people to hold the music, to sit with it like a good book. That’s how The Pages was meant to be heard.”
On Bandcamp, only Chapter One (first six tracks) of the album is available – giving listeners just a taste of the project’s depth and sonic richness. It’s a teaser that encourages deeper engagement and direct support for the artist.
We had the chance to hear the full album, and though we won’t give everything away, tracks like the folky Colours – a stunning 80-second gem – reveal how captivating Maddisun can be even in stripped-down, acoustic settings. Big Star impresses with brilliant drums and a lush Americana vibe reminiscent of Lucinda Williams, while Basil is a refreshing duet, enriched by the vocal of Maddisun’s partner Julian Bueckert, who co-wrote the song and produced most of the record. The closer, To Heal, flirts with alt-rock territory in the spirit of early Alanis Morissette.
With The Pages, Maddisun offers a soulful, emotionally rich experience that blends genres and formats – and encourages us to slow down and truly listen.
This review was made possible by SubmitHub



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