EP REVIEW: Jenny March’s ‘MADNESS’ Is Cathartic Pop Bliss
EP REVIEW: Jenny March’s ‘MADNESS’ Is Cathartic Pop Bliss
Get ready for the most enjoyable roller coaster ever.
Words By: Bre Offenberger
Jenny March, an up-and-coming icon, has already changed the landscape of the pop genre with her new EP, Madness, out today! The six-track project is a blast from the past, fusing infectious elements of the ’80s and ’90s — driving bass, soothing guitar, crackling synths — with contemporary pop to help form a distinct and go-to voice in the industry.
The EP is a quick listen — only reaching 15 minutes — but it’s a mind-boggling, life-changing experience. The opener and second single, “All In,” was practically made for radio, delivering booming vocals over an atmospheric instrumental that transforms into an EDM wonderland in the chorus. The lyrics are just as powerful, as she convinces her partner their love is so powerful that they can do anything with it.
Now touching on a track with an incredible visualizer, “SCREAM” is the complete opposite sonically, depending on booming bass and zig-zag synths to help enhance March’s rapidly expelled lyrics — similar to Dua Lipa’s “Break My Heart” — of not feeling like she’s getting everything she can out of her current relationship. She admits she’s “a sinner” and warns her prospective partner that if they can’t reciprocate her energy 100%, they might as well walk out the door now. You may already love the song, but the video will only enhance your feelings toward it.
The video opens with March driving, her key with a disco ball chain swinging back and forth, and she looks behind her to make sure she can drive comfortably. Animations of lightning, fire and emphasized words, among others, appear in different colors around her as she touches on those respective subjects. As she continues to zoom down the road, a car starts tailing her — but if she notices, she doesn’t care. She remains unbothered and doesn’t even stop driving by the end, trying to bask in the moment and the inexplicable good energy she has.
“boys think we’re crazy” is a retrospective ballad, commanded by one of the most soothing guitar riffs in recent memory. March finds herself reflecting on how girls are always looked down upon solely for their gender, something they can’t control, and she promises them all she’s more than how she appears on the surface. For any girl who’s experienced forms of sadness due to claims of inferiority from those of another gender, this song stings.
March has curated the perfect EP at the perfect time. As the end of the pandemic looks to be in sight, this project is for the ones who are looking to start over and not take for granted the little things as well as those you love. It’s not all reflective, though. She’s also looking ahead, ready to jump into a permanent relationship, and she knows what she wants. The EP bears sonic similarities to Dua Lipa, among other current pop chart-toppers, but don’t get it twisted: March and her music are definitely original. For more pop bliss that combines poignant lyrics with groovy beats, keep on the lookout for more from March, who is bound to surge up the charts in the near future.
