Comments (1) ... Of all the albums I've been exposed to recently, Madita's self-titled debut full-length has spent more time in my speakers and headphones than most others. Perhaps it's because it sounds so unlike any other.

1. Ceylon
2. Monotony
3. Mood
4. Has To Be
5. To The Moon And Back
6. A Letter To You
7. Wannabe
8. Got
9. Pushing
10. June
11. Intime

The sound is a little hard to describe, but the emotions are clear. Don't let the debut status throw you off, this girl knows her way around melodies and vocal delivery like she's been at it for years, and in truth she has. You may recognize her name attached to dZihan & Kamien's 2002 Gran Riserva. Madita worked closely with Vlado dZihan in producing her album.

Take a dash of classic jazz horns, drums, piano, and bass, add a pinch of acoustic guitar, throw in a clove or two of contemporary and near Eastern percussion, and then mix it all together with unexpected synth work and a blend of strong and sweetly sung vocal melodies running a gamut of expressions from demure to almost insanely uninhibited.

Don't look for a track here or there to catch on to, and don't expect the nearly trademark "Viennese sound" pioneered by artists like Kruder & Dorfmeister. Madita's debut album is strong all the way through its wildly expressive 11 tracks. For those who have missed having an album whose lyrics you find yourself almost uncontrollably mouthing along to, you will fall in love.

There will be some unexpected moments that at first listen may have you shy away a bit, but trust me, every one of these songs is bound to grow on you like ivy.

Just beautiful, unique work.


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Be sure and check out the iTunes only single "Unspoken" released on May 23, 2006.

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