By championing LGBTQIA+ issues and maintaining strong links to traditional folk,  Maddie Morris has gained a reputation for well reasoned argument  and excellent music. Both are prevalent in this superb debut album.

Release Date:  23rd February 2024

Label: Crow Lane Records

Format:  Digital / Streaming/ CD 

Maddie’s sweet and mellow voice belies the poignant issues their songs deal with. As a newcomer two years ago after receiving the Young Folk Award and a place on the English Folk Expo mentoring programme, they earned increasing numbers of followers and support that culminate in this splendid debut album. Although the delivery is more of gentle persuasion rather than vicious angst that doesn’t mean Maddie’s musical expression is without depth.

A passionate tribute to Marsha P Johnson  is delivered  like a musical campaign speech  in which they wish they could be more like their hero in campaigning for greater toleration of everyone’s sexual differences. If only all speeches  could be delivered with such musicality! Maddie’s  traditional folk roots shine beautifully  through Wee Weaver  with lyrical adaptations to match the album’s theme and Bonny Bunch Of Roses of which they wrote: “as there are few stories of queer relationships within the ..(folk)..tradition.…”

Although the vocal style oozes calm and tranquility, developing a style which is as unique and identifiable as  Maddie, their support for the marginalized and the under-valued is expressed sensitively and elegantly in other songs like Political T Shirt and The IT Teacher whilst  remaining close to traditional folk music.

In fact, Maddie believes that making a political statement is not only possible through words  but in  actions too as Cedar Swamp expresses. In addition,  the use of traditional folk music shows that issues around sexuality are not a modern phenomenon and songs like Cedar Swamp enlighten us that this was as prevalent in the past as it is now.

Icarus is a modern version of the story from Icarus’ point of view and rather than see him as  blindly  ignoring advice we are offered a child’s perspective; one determined to seek parental approval which from experience, is crucial in all family situations not just in coming to terms with one’s sexuality. A theme expressed equally eloquently by The Young’uns in their song Be The Man. The paradox in dealing with child abuse is dealt sensitively in  Must I Be Bound and Tonight’s Show,  in that the voice of the abuser’s  point of view is confident whereas the child victim sometimes struggles to find a compassionate listener.

A further paradox of this album is that such these personal  issues are delivered with such a beautiful distinctive voice and delightful music . Enjoy this but do delve deeper to get the full impact of each song and you will hopefully get the message within. 

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