By Jack Walsh
Photo Credit: Anna Koblish | Artwork: Ashley Adams
The 16th of May is here, and we all know what that means!
The highly anticipated debut album by rising indie-pop artist Maddie is out now!
And it’s ready to take listeners on a journey that feels personal and widely relatable. So, with an early reviewer’s copy, I sat back, pressed play, and strapped in; things were about to get real.
Kicking off the album is the title track, On the phone with my mom, beginning with an introduction that eases us into an album full of hard-hitting emotional chaos. The gentle opening piano by Regent places the listener into a state of calm, before gradually building tension, setting the stage for the overarching narrative that is about to unfold. As the track progresses, the array of instruments begin to emerge, mirroring the mother-daughter conversations that inspired it.
The standout track, Any day now, is backed up with dream-like vocals, filled by a melody that complements Regent’s elegant voice. The beaming rhythm section grounds the track, while the synthesiser elements add dimensions that encourage repeated listening, revealing new details with each play.
What makes these opening tracks impressive is just how they establish Regent’s unique signature while hinting at the emotional depths the album is about to explore.
As the album advances, the narrative Regent has implanted through each track continues to unfold. In her own words: ‘The album explores the idea that girlhood feels inescapable, womanhood seems unattainable, and yet, somehow, transitioning from one to the other feels essential for survival. They either exist as entirely separate entities or blur into one indistinguishable experience.’ This tension serves as the emotional backbone of the entire project, helping give each song a real sense of purpose.
Having reviewed The other shoe back in March, and having followed the release of her other singles, I knew I was in for one hell of a journey; I just didn’t expect it to affect me as it did. By the time track six rolled round, I found myself completely immersed in Regent’s world. The raw vulnerability of her vocal performance, combined with the limited yet effective instrumentation, created a moment of such intimate confession that it felt almost invasive to listen yet impossible to turn away from.
As the closing tracks You could break my heart, Black sheep, and Goodnight, made their mark and the piano keys faded to black, the full scope of what Maddie Regent and her creative partner, producer, and songwriter, Cade Hoppe, had created became clear. This was more than just a collection of songs; it was an unforgettable deep dive into the soul of Regent herself. The album’s final act delivered a devastating emotional payoff earned through the journey that preceded it.
It was beautiful, it was dreamy, and it was brutally real. To say this was only her debut album was astounding. Here’s to you, Maddie Regent, on your incredible future.
Photography Copyright 2025 © Anna Koblish.
Text Copyright 2025 © Jack Walsh/ADRENALINE Magazine.
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