:: Madviolet - Caravan

Madviolet

The Canadian duo left a great impression on me on their first visit to Australia in 2005. Their music is very endearing and the gorgeous tones drew great reactions from Australian audiences. They now release their next album “Caravan”, which has an Australian connection in the fact that they wrote several of the album’s songs whilst on their tour. It draws its title from a vintage motor home they occupied for three weeks in Byron Bay, just south of Brisbane, following the completion of their first Australian tour last year. On the beach, the duo wrote many of Caravan’s ten songs. The album captures Madviolet’s growing confidence as a songwriting and performing partnership. Instead of recording their vocals separately as they’ve done in the past, the two sang face-to-face in a process that facilitated the spontaneity. Brenley handles the majority of lead vocals, while Lisa sings three songs and demonstrates her love of playing the violin in her extended solo that brings Caravan to a riveting final track, “Never Saw the Ending”. The duo's contribution results in a very even consistency in quality except, in my mind, there is a standout song. The upbeat and infectious “Skylight” is a terrific track, one that would normally fill a Top 10 singles chart with ease. But there is something to like about each of the pop-country sounds that Lisa and Brenley produce here. Overall, it’s a well balanced album that is sure to be enjoyed.