His sound is polished, his vocal control dazzling, and his impressive songwriting expertly dances between pop, soul and jazz. His inimitable sound layers harmonies while ambient textures scratch the innermost parts of your brain. The most exciting part? This is his debut EP, following on from only three previous singles. There's no doubt that this EP 'Own Worst Enemy' is a taste of a musician who plays to his strength and has truly struck sonic gold.
The EP sees Madoc Plane confront the inner workings of his tumultuous mind head on. Utterly introspective, he unpacks the nuanced experiences of self-doubt and overthinking in a cohesive and sonically moving 4-piece EP. Taking influence from the likes of Jordan Rakei, Matt Corby and The Weeknd, Madoc Plane creates a warm kaleidoscope of songs that nurture the soul.
"The EP explores themes such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and overthinking. At the time of writing these songs I wasn't my usual confident self, which I guess is displayed in the lyricism of the EP. I think that writing based on these self-critical themes was somewhat therapeutic for me, allowing me to be more honest with myself and to reflect on my experiences from a different perspective." Madoc Plane
The EP features previously released single 'Overdrive', a futuristic heady sonic concoction that transports listeners to a darkening club. Accompanying this is unreleased single 'Burning Up' which shifts down a gear, evoking the nighttime grandeur of a city skyline - the glistening chips of neon lights forming a constellation among the concrete. Madoc Plane dives deeper into his psyche whilst traversing shimmering falsetto to a steady march.
More jazz-laden than the previous two singles, is 'Own Worst Enemy', which sees Madoc Plane fully lean into the soul of his vocals. It's a refined and stripped back spotlight on Madoc Plane at his most vulnerable. Featuring Choir backing vocals the result is nothing short of utterly beautiful. Closing out the EP is previously released single 'Right Reason' which utilises ambient layering, atop a grooving pulse of the drum beat, with the compelling chorus hook "I'm hoping that it was for the right reason".
"The musical style of this EP slightly differs between each song. Overdrive shows a more electronic pop/dance sound with a heavy use of produced drums whilst Own Worst Enemy is a smooth yet powerful soul-pop groove, incorporating dense vocal harmony. The style of Burning Up, lies somewhere in-between these two tunes. It shows a more complex mixture of both styles through its use of vocal intricacy, as well as revealing an ambient and produced soundscape." Madoc Plane
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Single art - Michael Tartaglia (@michael_tartaglia) Typography - Poppy Campbell (@bypoppy_)
This EP marks the third release of Madoc Plane since signing to Tone City Records (DICE, Nectar, Supathick) earlier this year. With vocals and drums recorded by Sam Ford (POND, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Abbe May), at Tone City Recording Studio.
Madoc Plane's reputation as a strong vocalist and gifted songwriter has been growing since bursting onto the scene earlier this year. Having released his first two singles, 'Lilac in June' and 'Right Reason', he quickly received a glowing response from a receptive audience by getting added to multiple Spotify editorial playlists. It may also be surprising the widespread tastemaker support from the likes of triple j airplay just to name key highlights.
With multiple sold-out shows under his belt for both previous single launches, headline shows at El Grotto, Happy Tempura, Soft Noise Collective alongside ARIA winning singer Chelsea Cullen. The upcoming launch show for 'Overdrive' proves that it is not one to be missed as Madoc Plane finds comfort in his new found groove.
Further to this, Madoc Plane will be performing at Tone City Records 'Dreamfest' at the Rosemount Hotel on Saturday 5th November alongside other label musicians under Tone City Records such as Siobhan Cotchin, Supathick, Nectar, as well as an array of emerging artists in Western Australia.
Madoc Plane undoubtedly has all the trappings of a neo-soul giant and groove master in the future to come. With an identifiable sound and strong team behind him, the Perth-based musician has tapped into a palpable power that will only grow the more he explores with future releases.
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Launch art - Michael Tartaglia (@michael_tartaglia) Typography - Poppy Campbell (@bypoppy_)
UPCOMING SHOWS
Friday 21st October Overdrive Launch at El Grotto Scarborough, WA
with LUCI, Sago, Miami Mal & DJ Noonies
Tickets
Saturday 5th November Tone City Records 'Dreamfest' at the Rosemount Hotel Perth, WA
With Supathick, Nectar, Siobhan Cotchin, Romeo Walker & other local acts
Tickets
'OWN WORST ENEMY' EP TRACKLIST
Burning Up
Own Worst Enemy
Overdrive
Right Reason
