A gust of wind ushers in “27 Stones,” as it eerily declares, “Poor little girl, you are in a world and no one knows your name.” Then, the gentle strums of acoustic guitar and keys intertwine to brighten the mood, and a mission statement and a motif of dissatisfying reality vs. a fantastical ideal is established. “I want to feel anything that’s real” is countered by the cutting chorus of “Nothing feels beautiful anymore,” before the longing of “I wish I could find the place, where all the things you love, you could hear them call you…” is revealed. A gradual momentum is built as the narrative of falling off course due to selfish desires unfurls. Clarity comes through over the course of a pensive climb, introducing us to The Madalean Gauze Band’s enchanting new LP Nothing Feels Beautiful Anymore.
It is followed by a menacing instrumental tone that sets the scene for “This One’s For You”. The swirl of tension creates a head trip as the vocals encircle in a chaotic, mesmerizing twist, before “Hotel Room” shifts gears, recalling the moments of falling in love in New York. The guitar sets out striding in accompaniment of the single in a singular, intimate manner. The recording serves as an admission of one’s true belief/desire. “Loneliness is safe, but a love will keep you going strong.”
“Welcome to the Party” greets us with its bewitching tones, requesting Madalean to “free yourself from the darkness,” as an ominous bell toll is cast against the proceeding, sunny vocals. “Life is a journey full of heavy demons” – the search for meaning in one’s life continues, before “Spooky Voodoo” spirals downward like a rumbling, runaway locomotive. The album’s title/sentiment is reiterated in an interlude of sorts and during the firestorm of “HAHA!” The song taps into destiny through a dream-like imagery and suggestive fall from grace: “You’re not the most beautiful anymore.” It toes the line between aggression and playfulness.
With “Talking,” there is a temporary reprieve, checking in on the listener. Foreshadowing the next track with the line: “Love, it shouldn’t be so hard.” “More Than You’ll Ever Know” has a strolling, percussive-guitar, one-two punch. Suggesting a sense of loss and loneliness – “things could be different, but they’re gone,” – a bouncy yet melancholy atmosphere filters through; the disappoint over revealing one’s genuine self and not being accepted is counterbalanced by a hopeful observation: “I want to believe in something that’s bigger than what I live in…”
“Electric Moment” seems to acknowledge an optimistic, personal outlook whilst taking ownership of one’s emotions, as acoustic guitar and angelic background vocals create a bare but bright aura. The aptly titled “The End” goes full circle, reinforcing its lyrical purpose in coda form. Nothing Feels Beautiful Anymore pages through a personal scrapbook of recent memories and relationships. Its ups and downs are viewed through a captivating psych lens, providing us with a kaleidoscope of wondrous sonics to enjoy. – Michael Colavita