Music Review: Lily & Madeleine Announce 'Nite Swim' - Enchanting Folk-Pop Album

Lily_Mad press photo WINDOWLESS BEDROOM 2 — Photo credit: Anna Powell Denton

Lily & Madeleine, the folk-pop duo from Indianapolis, are back with their fifth studio album, “Nite Swim,” set to be released on October 6. With their enchanting harmonies and introspective songwriting, Lily & Madeleine have created a collection of songs that delve into vulnerability, acceptance, and the complexities of human emotions.

With an NPR Tiny Desk and a CBS News appearance under their belts, and boasting over 210K monthly listeners on Spotify alone, Lily & Madeleine have garnered a dedicated fan base and continue to soar to new heights. Praised by NPR for their “restrained, homespun mix of folk and pop with undeniably sweet harmonies,” their music is undeniably among the loveliest in the genre.

Billboard has described their 2019 album, “Canterbury Girls,” as “cinematic, swirling, and joyous,” showcasing the duo’s ability to create immersive sonic experiences. Refinery29 lauded their track “Analog Love,” praising their otherworldly harmonies that can only be achieved through a deep connection beyond mere studio proximity. The New York Times echoed this sentiment, highlighting their extraordinary sibling vocal blend—deep, seamless, and relaxed.

Lily & Madeleine’s talent has not gone unnoticed by notable tastemakers, including LA’s KCRW, WXPN’s World Live Cafe, Under the Radar, and American Songwriter. Their music strikes a chord with listeners and critics alike, creating a captivating and enchanting musical experience.

Be sure to pre-order Lily & Madeleine’s forthcoming album, “Nite Swim,” and immerse yourself in their mesmerizing folk-pop melodies. Their extraordinary harmonies and heartfelt songwriting continue to captivate audiences, solidifying them as an exceptional duo in the music industry.

The album opens with the melancholic track “Self Care,” where the duo’s voices blend effortlessly over a dreamy piano waltz. The lyrics explore the divide between the beauty of a lover’s eyes and the emptiness of their gaze, capturing the disconnect often experienced in relationships. What sets Lily & Madeleine apart is their extraordinary sibling vocal blend, which is deep, seamless, and relaxed, adding a unique depth to their music.

Throughout “Nite Swim,” Lily & Madeleine’s restrained, homespun mix of folk and pop shines through. The loveliness of their harmonies is undeniable, drawing listeners in with its soothing and introspective nature. The songs take the listener on an intimate journey through the lives of the sisters, both as siblings and as individual artists.

The album’s lead single, “Windowless Bedroom,” is a standout track that showcases Lily & Madeleine’s signature dreamy harmonies. Over a slow, grooving beat, the duo embraces self-discovery and uncertainty, searching for a glimmer of hope in difficult times. The track’s metaphor of a drab, lonely bedroom without windows becomes a canvas for imagination, inviting listeners to create their own ideal reality.

The accompanying music video for “Windowless Bedroom,” directed by Austin Webster, adds another layer of enchantment to the song. Filmed in Lily & Madeleine’s hometown art studio, Healer, the video captures a surreal and dreamy atmosphere. Pillow forts, old video games, and art installations create a whimsical setting, perfectly complementing the song’s message of finding beauty in life’s messiness.

Lily & Madeleine’s growth as artists is evident in “Nite Swim.” The album was produced by their longtime friend and collaborator Shannon Hayden, who also provided additional instrumentation along with Devon Ashley, Heidi Gluk, and Jared May. The resultis a cinematic, swirling, and joyous sound that enhances the duo’s introspective songwriting.

With their captivating performances, Lily & Madeleine have gained a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Their music resonates with listeners, offering a heartfelt and intimate connection. Songs like “Nite Swim” remind us of the power of music to explore complex emotions and provide solace in times of uncertainty.

Lily & Madeleine’s fifth studio album, “Nite Swim,” is a testament to their talent as songwriters and vocalists. It showcases their growth as artists while maintaining the beauty and charm that made them stand out in the folk-pop genre. As they continue to captivate audiences with their lush harmonies and introspective lyrics, Lily & Madeleine prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see Lily & Madeleine live this month in Columbus, OH, and Nashville, TN. Tickets are available for purchase on their website. “Nite Swim” is available for pre-order, and the single “Windowless Bedroom” is out now. Soothe your soul with the enchanting music of Lily & Madeleine and immerse yourself in their mesmerizing world of folk-pop melodies.