It is always great when an artist offers you a glimpse of a different side of their work, that is, different when compared to what you associate them with from previous encounters. And so it is with Madeline Rosene’s new single, “Fish Astronaut.” When I first heard her music four or so years ago, via her album, Raised on Porn, her brand of pop music was often shot through with indie energies and even understated rock vibes. Songs such as “Talking to Myself” and the title track ran along on great grooves and undeniable energy. Between those, there were more considered ambient sounds, and it to this sonic space that she returns to for “Fish Astronaut,” primarily via the live video rendition.
This time out, it is more grace than a groove that runs the show, the song forged of chiming keys and drifting atmospheres, gently strummed acoustic guitar and futuristic sonics. All this leaves her soft, serene voice front and center, working its magic as it dances deftly over this cinematic soundscape. Perhaps “Fish Astronaut” isn’t the change of direction it first appears to be, maybe it is just Madeline being more, well, more Madeline!
The live rendition boils her sonic seductions down to its essence even more succinctly, piano and vocals, proof that it is not merely sound, the playing of instruments that makes a song work; more often, it is composition and knowing when to be brave enough to leave space for atmospherics to do their job. Less, as they say, is more.
According to a famous TV quote, space might be the final frontier, but it is a place that Madeline Rosene has been exploring and conquering for a long time.
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