mAdlyDs is a solo project from Lydia Kime based in North Carolina. As a composer, vocalist, guitarist and pianist, she combines her talents in evoking her resonant debut album Like a Tree.
Through a mixture of what once were separate and distinct ideas-musical phrases, songs and words, Kime goes on to shape her experiences into the making of this album. Consisting of songs that evolved from her young teens to her early twenties, the record felt very coming-of-age as it tells a journey through fear, pain and hope chronicling her adolescence to adulthood. Kime reimagines her youth and history with these full-on poignant renderings that evoke both sadness and yearning through brutally honest lyrics, compelling vocals and stirring music. Like a Tree rolls in with “When Our Minds Died.” The piano distills a haunting soundscape. Eventually, Kime’s vocals arrive. With crystalline notes, her vocals are disarming. As she belts out on the track, you can feel the emotions surfacing, deeply moving you in the process. The mood of the music evoked a dreamy vibe. A meandering piano melody adds a pensive mood to the entirety of “Slaughter In the Streets.” As the melody grows in groove, you can see the guitar get introduced into this album. The sounds are stellar with the instrumentals fleshing out the movement to the music. Kime’s vocals are rich and pleasing to the ears. The mood builds on the piano tune on “Dark Pen.” You can really feel her vocals sets the mood on this introspective number. Noodling on the guitar brings about the sound of “Catastrophics.” The vibe felt very minimalistic as Kime picks a tune on the guitar all the while hailing her strong vocals on this track. The sound of strings adds another layer to the song. The sounds orchestrated with a symphonic finish felt very polished. I could feel the abundance of emotions layered underneath the vocals. Rolling piano melodious pervade on “Natural Addict.” Once Kime’s vocals comes in, the vibe felt very natural. The music ascends with dramatic chord progressions and elevating vocal harmonies. I felt very much transported by the style and sounds. Monotonous piano chords get implemented toward the start of “Mad Land.” As Kime’s vocals arrive, the monotony drones on. Kime’s vocal style is very delicate sounding, as the soft and lush sounds get unharnessed. I felt deeply moved by her journey. Gradually, the music builds and we get theatrical vocals very much in the vein of Fiona Apple. On the title track, more guitar fills build here. As overlapping vocal harmonies are layered in, I could really feel the music grow on me. The quiet energy on her vocal delivery here reminded me of Feist. On “Fresh World” the strings lean into an atmospheric backdrop. Eventually, the guitar sounds in, washing over the vibes with melodious undertones. This track felt very mood building as the melody meanders into wild and distinctive territories. Once Kime’s vocals comes in, the vibe really sets the tone to this beautifully layered song. Airy guitar riffs sound off over “From Grace To Grace.” Kime’s vocals hail on the forefront, embracing an emotionally powered stance. You can feel that the tracks on Like a Tree come from a deep place within Kime as they evoke ideas and experiences from her past. The soundscapes on this album felt very much akin to soundtracks coming from a Tim Burton film. With the depth and honesty of a singer/songwriter and the craft of a well-seasoned composer, Kime’s songs carry the ambience of a carefully construed mood, atmosphere and melodic offering. All are components that go on to mold this record. This album proves that this is only the beginning for the artist. I greatly enjoyed this record and hope to see more from her soon. Be sure you have a listen today!
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