Album Review: Madds Buckley - ‘A Simple Binary and a Complex Phrase‘

RIAA Gold certified artist Madds Buckley is releasing her latest A Simple Binary and a Complex Phrase this week! The album is highly anticipated, especially to her followers online on TikTok and Instagram. Buckley is further sharpening her storytelling skills with this record and the themes on this one are highly appropriate for the time we live in. That’s because A Simple Binary and a Complex Phrase takes a critical perspective to the emphasis on AI that society has been placing. Buckley even goes as far as to criticize too much screen time and the decline in critical and creative thinking with the rise in AI.

A Simple Binary and a Complex Phrase has a bit of something for everyone sonically. Some tracks have an electronic vibe (“From your Artificial Heart”), some with a folk bend (“Tomes and Tombstones”), and one feature I felt could find a home in a musical (“Overboard”). What’s clear is that Buckley is a star on the rise not only as a songwriter, she’s mastered complex story telling in an accessible sound for listeners. She also is a next-level talent, especially vocally. Her voice is so bright and pure, as someone who spent an eternity taking vocal lessons and being in choir, Buckley would be the one getting all the solos in an ensemble.

“If-Then Statements” is another winner from the talented musician. It features some understated guitar and a slow burn from Buckley on vocals that pop in an effects-driven moment towards the end of the track. In my reasearch for my interview with Buckley, I learned she’s also highly involved in the visual aspects of her music and her love of animation (especially anime) and video games shines through. In short, if you like dynamite vocals, bright melodies, and intricate storytelling, A Simple Binary and a Complex Phrase is for you!

Rating - 9/10