With the release of the EP Poetry (for the scorned and lonely), Mary Middlefield cements her reputation as a master of poignant storytelling wrapped in enchanting melodies. Released on April 25, 2024, this 28-minute EP encompasses eight tracks that traverse the emotional spectrum from heartache to reflective solitude.
Middlefield begins the EP with the bold and stirring “SEXLESS,” where she immediately sets a tone of raw honesty and vulnerability. The track dissects societal pressures and stigmatization of personal independence, offering a refreshing take on solitude and self-discovery. Mary’s voice, mixed prominently over minimalistic backdrops, commands attention as she invites listeners into her personal narrative.
Following this powerful opener, “ATLANTIS” explores themes of lost love and the quest for mythical perfection in relationships. The song’s acoustic, folky and flowing arrangement mimics the ebb and flow of oceanic tides, a metaphor for love’s often overwhelming and consuming nature.
“ALLODYNIA” shifts the EP’s mood to one of physical sensitivity—a metaphor for emotional pain. This track’s short ( a subtle 28 seconds) sweetness intertwined with haunting plucked guitar intensifies the sensation of touch, paralleling the way past traumas linger and affect present experiences.
In “HEART’S DESIRE,” Middlefield delves into the complexities of longing and the pain of unrequited love, while “LOVE ME LOVE ME NOT” portrays the whimsical yet heartbreaking process of determining another’s affection, resembling a modern-day flower petal fortune. The song swells into a flourish, then ends as simply as it began, a triumphant narrative.
“YOUNG AND DUMB” is a gallant treatise full of energy and spite that drives more indie rock flavour while offering a reflective look at youthful indiscretions and the blissful ignorance of young love. Its upbeat rhythm contrasts with the more somber tracks, providing a necessary uplift in the EP’s progression.
The EP takes a turn towards introspection with “LAST LETTER (Acoustic version),” an intimate acoustic piece that feels like a personal note set to music. Here, Middlefield’s ability to convey deep personal loss through simple yet powerful acoustic melodies is evident.
The titular track, “POETRY,” concludes the EP, encapsulating the overarching theme of finding beauty and strength in solitude and rejection. This track serves as a summary of the EP’s narrative, weaving together threads of each preceding song into a final tapestry of learned lessons and hopeful whispers to the future.
Poetry (for the scorned and lonely) is a testament to Middlefield’s growth as an artist who can navigate through the complexities of human emotions with grace and artistry. Her songs are experiences that invite reflection and resonate deeply with those who listen.
Mary Middlefield’s latest EP not only showcases her evolution as an artist but also as a storyteller capable of touching the soul. With each track, she builds a bridge between her experiences and those of her listeners, making Poetry (for the scorned and lonely) a profound journey through the landscapes of love and life.
