June 24, 2019 – By John Kereiff, The Rock Doctor – Kelowna, BC, Canada
A stunning full length debut here for this 19 year old Ontario-based roots artist. Her earthy blend of folk/rock and blues with mainly acoustic instruments is utterly charming.
Growing up in the small town of Fergus, Ontario, Madison began pursuing her passion for music at a young age. She discovered a love of nature, community and roots music that continues to inspire her today. Moon & Mercury can’t be pinned down to any one particular genre, at least not for long. Galloway and her band make good use of acoustic, slide and electric guitars, harmonica, keys. Ukulele, banjo and more for a spirited, beautifully off-kilter yet somehow right on approach to their songs, particularly numbers like Coffee Stains, a thoroughly engaging instrumental with middle eastern overtones.
Madison Galloway is as far from being a pop tart as you can get. She tours relentlessly, playing hundreds of shows with her band and as a duo and solo performer too. This a mature and fully realized disc, surprising for a first record from someone this young.
Sometimes you have to hear an album a few times to get to know it and find your way in but making friends with Moon & Mercury was effortless. Madison has an easy, confident vocal style (Rickie Lee Jones? Edie Brickell? Maybe both?) with threads of mystery and intrigue weaving throughout the songs. This is one of my favourite albums of 2019.
KEY CUTS: Infectious Eyes, Devil In Her Eye, Rose Coloured Glasses, Coffee Stains
Listen to Moon & Mercury here
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