Galway dream-pop band Newdad is an outfit that has seemed to be on ‘ones to watch’ lists for quite some time now. Following fellow breakaway artists from Ireland such as CMAT and Sprints, word-of-mouth buzz spread quickly in regards to Newdad’s striking appeal. Whether it be their Slowdive and Wolf Alice inspired hazy instrumentals, or the passionate front-woman Julia Dawson’s show-stealing vocal performances; there are plenty of good reasons for the shoegazers to be featured on said lists.
Their debut album ‘Madra’ (the Irish word for dog) arrives with fierce anticipation thanks to the fantastic singles released in the build-up to its release. Perhaps the best single and album opener, ‘Angel’, struts its Wolf Alice inspirations with its exquisite bass playing and a triumphant climax which masks Dawson’s lyrics of emotional fragility: “And you have a good heart/But I’m sure mine’s stopped”. Newdad’s debut often features lyrics that not only offer a reflection of the band’s journey but also unveil a tapestry of self-doubt from Dawson that is laced through the entire run-time. She appears unapologetic in her honesty, and the rawness of her lyrics often contrasts effectively with the band’s glossy and dreamy instrumentals they have learned to perfect.
Throughout ‘Madra’, if it isn’t Dawson shining it’s bass player Cara Joshi, who’s playing is often the highlight. Followup ‘Sickly Sweet’ and ‘Change My Mind’ are prime examples, with bass lines so infectious they prevail as sole reasons alone to come back for more. That’s not to say that Joshi does any heavy lifting, as all band members get their chance to grab attention on the stage. A special mention is deserved for the album cut ‘Dream of Me’ where Sean O’Dowd’s lead playing is tangible as it melts in your ear. Meanwhile ‘In My Head’ has guitar playing that bounces delightfully around in your head, and ‘Nosebleed’ is exceptionally strong lyrically: “The hold you had on me will hold me eternally/And though I know you’re hurting too/We’re different shades of blue.”
While there are no standouts for any weak tracks, Newdad’s glossy and ethereal sound at times remains so cohesive to its own fault. Some tracks blend into one another, and a pace changer in the middle would have been appreciated. A track such as ‘White Ribbons’ may have been sonically suited better for the halfway mark, stripped back and tender thanks to its excellent performances. Despite its sound, it’s one of the most inspiring songs lyrically with Dawson choosing to remain positive and paint an image of improvement despite the themes of self-doubt being so prevalent up until now: “It’s so pretty how you fix me every time”.
‘Madra’ remains thoroughly impressive throughout its entire 40-minute run time. Despite sometimes lacking a touch of variety, Dawson presents herself and her band members as one of the most encapsulating voices emerging from their scene. Newdad’s debut album arrives as a breath of fresh air and an effort the four Galway-born members can be immensely proud of.
Words by Niall McGreevy