Polxroid, pronounced like “polaroid,” is a rising indie alternative rock project from Ballybofey, Donegal, Ireland. The group, established in 2020, was created by four high school friends: Seán Coleman (drums), Catherine Gallagher (main vocals), Ciarán Coleman (lead guitar), and Conor Duffy (rhythm guitar). Jointly, they combine their mutual affection for the music of performers such as The Cranberries, Paramore, Fiona Apple, and Cocteau Twins, creating a sound that is simultaneously reminiscent and innovative. Polxroid has quickly made an impact by performing at Dalfest and getting their music played on different radio stations. The band creates a contemporary and emotionally resonant vibe in the indie rock genre through their complex soundscapes and catchy pop elements.
Polxroid dropped their newest track, “Madeline,” on August 31st, 2024. This song is a perfect demonstration of their distinct sound, mixing elements of 90s rock and alternative pop with a contemporary twist. The band has rapidly made a name for themselves in the Irish music scene due to their moving songwriting and engaging performances. The track was recorded at Blast Furnace Studios in Derry and mastered by Pete Maher, showcasing top-notch production quality from the start. The meticulousness of Polxroid, along with their skill in creating music that strikes an emotional chord, results in “Madeline” being a track that is both musically and emotionally complex.
From the very first melody, “Madeline” enthralls the listener with a rich musical atmosphere that creates an instant feeling of excitement. The song starts with a strong but delicate instrumental beginning, with a lively, pulsing rhythm that is vibrant and energetic. Polxroid’s skill in creating dynamic and immersive music is evident from the start with the way the instrumentation captures your attention. Each layer of sound builds on the next, creating a vibrant, almost cinematic quality. This introduction sets the tone for what is to come, drawing the listener into a musical journey that feels rich with both emotional depth and musical complexity. It’s the kind of opening that suggests something profound lies ahead, an invitation into the emotional world that the band has crafted.
At around the 18-second mark, the driving rhythm recede, making way for a minimalistic beat that allows space for the vocals to step in. This moment of transition is a masterstroke in production, as it shifts the listener’s focus away from the intricate instrumentation and sets the stage for Catherine Gallagher’s entrance. The space created here is almost cinematic in its effect, as it gives the song room to breathe, allowing anticipation to build before Gallagher’s vocals finally make their entrance at around 33 seconds. Her voice, soft and almost understated at first, carries an effortless sense of emotional depth. There’s a certain tenderness to her delivery, a subtle fragility that hints at something deeper beneath the surface. It is in this understated yet profound vocal entry that the song begins to reveal its emotional core.
As the song progresses, Gallagher’s voice becomes the heart of the track, gradually rising in intensity and emotion. Her voice perfectly complements the layered instrumentation, which begins to introduce more rhythm and complexity as the song unfolds. The vocals and instruments seem to work in perfect harmony, each rising and falling with the other. There’s a natural ebb and flow to the arrangement, a delicate balance that speaks to polxroid’s skill as songwriters. The group has successfully crafted a sonic landscape that reflects the emotional progression of the words, resulting in a track with a strong sense of connection and harmony that enhances its impact. As the tempo increases and Gallagher’s singing becomes more noticeable, the emotional depth of the song grows, pulling the listener deeper into its story.
“Madeline” fundamentally is a song that narrates a tale. Gallagher’s voice conveys a feeling of yearning and reflection, making the song emotionally relatable on a universal and personal level. Gallagher’s presentation implies that Madeline’s story is one filled with emotional intricacies, where emotions like love, grief, or maybe a longing for something are key elements. The story’s weight is not only in the words, but also in the way her voice grows in emotion, transitioning from a gentle and personal tone to a powerful and emotive one. This sequence reflects the emotional path of the song, creating a profound impact on the audience.
The instruments in the song also play a significant part in expressing the emotional depth of the track. The standout element is the guitar work, specifically Ciarán Coleman’s lead guitar lines which intertwine within the arrangement, offering a melodic contrast to Gallagher’s vocals. Conor Duffy’s consistent rhythm guitar provides a stable foundation, bringing structure and stability to the song, while Seán Coleman’s energetic drumming offers a dynamic support that propels the song forward. Collaboratively, these components generate a sound that gives a sense of both vastness and closeness, almost like the music is simultaneously extending towards the listener and drawing them in. The instruments follow the emotional progression of the vocals, shaping a musical scenery that reflects the emotional voyage of the song.
The presentation of “Madeline” is refined without being excessively shiny, enabling the true emotion of the song to stand out. Pete Maher’s mastering work may be discreet, yet it is impactful as it allows each part of the track to shine on its own without overpowering the rest. The song’s great strength lies in its balance of polished elements with raw emotion. Although the production is slick and expertly done, it manages to avoid becoming excessive, keeping the emotional heart of the song as the main focus. The outcome is a track that exudes intimacy and vastness, a song that can be deeply felt and admired for its technical intricacy. The unique blend of emotion and technique is what distinguishes polxroid from other indie rock bands in the scene.
Ultimately, “Madeline” is not just a song, but a complete experience. It’s a piece of music that guides the listener through a range of emotions, from a captivating start to a climactic end. Polxroid has successfully crafted a musical composition that balances emotional depth and technical skill, melding complex musical elements with passionate singing to produce a track that is profoundly intimate yet universally understandable. Indie rock and alternative pop enthusiasts, as well as those seeking music filled with genuine emotional resonance, should definitely give “Madeline” a listen. The debut of this new single signals an exciting new phase for polxroid, and if “Madeline” is anything to go by, things are looking promising for the talented Donegal band.
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