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  • Kaitlyn Nicole

Album Review: "Poetry (for the scorned and lonely)" - Mary Middlefield



Mary Middlefield, a young indie artist from Switzerland has released her second project of songs, titled "Poetry (for the scorned and lonely)". This collection is dedicated to those out there who have had their hearts broken and use music as a way to cope with their emotions. Written from her own life experiences, Mary hopes her music can relate to others who have been in unhealthy relationships and have struggled with the aftermath.


TRACKLIST

Sexless

Atlantis

Allodynia

Heart's Desire

Love Me, Love Me Not?

Young and Dumb

Last Letter (Acoustic Version)

Poetry


Mary Middlefield started her musical journey as a classical violinist, which eventually transitioned into her passion for singing and songwriting. She uses her negative life experiences and turns them positive by creating art for others to connect with. Her style is a wide mixture of sounds, including indie/alternative, pop, rock, folk and even some of her classical roots can be heard. Mary started releasing music in 2022, with her debut single "Band Aid", soon releasing her debut album "Thank You Alexander" in 2023. Just one year later, we already have her second album, "Poetry (for the scorned and lonely)".


Sexless


For track one, we have the leading single, "Sexless" which was released 6 months ago in anticipation for the album. This unhinged, chaotic track has a nostalgic rock vibe that makes you want to sing along while you jump around your room. "Sexless" is about the struggle of today's generation only wanting to have sex and one night stands instead of having a serious relationship. Mary sings of not having sex in a year, resulting in unsatisfying self-pleasure and loneliness; but she just wishes she could find a real connection with someone instead of giving away her body to someone she will never see again. The lyrics flow out like intrusive thoughts, and there's even a nod to Mary's first album with the words, "Alexander’s not part of this journey

But there’s only so many songs I can write".





Atlantis


"Atlantis" is stunningly haunting folk track. It begins with a hazy acoustic guitar and gradually builds with strings upon strings. Mary sings beautifully and softens her voice to match the wispy flow of the music. "Atlantis" is about that person that you would do literally anything for. Think of the worst imaginable thing you could possibly do, and you would do it if it meant you got to be with this person. The metaphorical lyricism in this song is so poetic and is sure to grasp your emotions; especially if you've ever felt this kind of way for someone in your own personal life.




Allodynia


"Allodynia" is an interlude track. Although it only lasts 28 seconds, it has one of the most stunning soundscapes you'll ever hear. Picking acoustic guitar and high pitched violin create this whimsical, wonderland type of feeling.




Heart's Desire


"Heart's Desire" is an addicting track that radiates 90's rock. The lead guitar is an earworm that carries the music along is an incredibly catchy groove. Mary sings with a bit of a Celtic tone and rhythm, which mixed with the instrumentation style really gives off a vibe similar to The Cranberries. "Heart's Desire" seems to be about an unrequited love due to age difference. Mary sings of being in love with someone older, who doesn't seem to notice her (or at least pretends he doesn't). The lyrics speak of longing and wondering, that if only she were older then maybe she could be with him.




Love Me, Love Me Not?


Do you remember having a crush as kid, and picking up a flower, plucking each petal one at a time saying "he loves me, he loves me not..." until the petals ran out? The track "Love Me, Love Me Not?" gives this scene a sound, flourishing with layered acoustic picking and a soft innocent tone. It continues the theme of "Atlantis", wanting to do anything and everything for someone you have feelings for even though they might not exactly feel the same way as you. You so desperately want them to love you back, that you'd do just about anything to make them fall for you. Mary sings, "Make me yours and you'll be mine, I'll hold you 'til the end of time. I'll cook for you and feed you too just promise you'll stay true".




Young and Dumb


Being young and learning what's wrong and right while in a serious relationship is something everyone goes through. Sometimes we wear rose colored glasses and refuse to see that the person we're in love with is actually horrible for us. When we're young, we long so badly for this fairytale type of love that we let ourselves get treated in a way we don't deserve. This is what "Young and Dumb" by Mary Middlefield is all about. This dark, mysterious rock song has a nostalgic tone and lyrics that'll chill you down to your spine. The soundscape slithers like a snake as Mary sings of being mistreated by someone she thought loved her, but she was just too young to understand at the time.




Last Letter (Acoustic Version)


"Last Letter" was original a song included on Mary's first album released in 2023. The hazy and dreamy rock song has now been turned acoustic, taking it's place on Mary's second album as the second to last track. The original recording was Mary's classic rock to her sound, and now the acoustic takes more of a folk approach which is a theme we can hear more of throughout this particular project. It keeps it's dreamy tone as the acoustic guitar picks and features dissonant moments in it's melody. Mary sings with a softer, more classical tone turning this track into a stunning ballad.




Poetry


Uniquely, we have the closing track which happens to also be the title track to the album. Just within the first 10 seconds of listening, I already knew this would be one of my personal favorite tracks. It continues the folksy, whimsical themes that we've heard throughout this project as it beings with reverbed acoustic guitar and violin. Poetic lyrics and gentle vocals fill the air, as you begin to hear the meaning of this album all come together, perfectly concluding and closing out this chapter of Mary's life. This song is the sad girl anthem for all those who can relate.




Mary Middlefield has stunningly created a concept album for all us heartbroken girlies out there. She created and defined her sound; one that is only hers. Combining classic rock, folk, classical, alternative and indie pop, each song has it's own distinct soundscape that in incomparable to any other. There are consistent themes of this hazy, dreamy, whimsical tones but other than that, each song is it's own. Mary is able to change her voice is such stunning ways to match the emotion of each song. If you need to cry, be angry, or even if you want to sit against a tree and listen to music while reading a book, the vibe of "Poetry (for the scorned and lonely)" is perfect for any of that. Mary has a handful of live performances from this album on her YouTube channel; so if you enjoyed this album, I highly recommend checking those out as well. Follow her below!


Written By Kaitlyn Nicole


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